Mornings for our household are random.  On any given day, there’s no way to predict if we’re going to have a nice, easy start versus the “no good terrible rotten bad day.”  This morning was no different.  It was apparent from the onset, no one wanted to get out of bed, Dad included.  But I put on a brave face and pushed forward attempting to be as cheerful and encouraging as I could be, even though I’m not a morning person.  Things were going well until 15 minutes prior to leaving.  By that point, the children began moving at a sloth-like pace forgetting what takes priority.  Their actions left me feeling I was attempting an impossible task like herding cats.  My attempts at keeping us on task was failing miserably.  Everyone began falling apart out of frustration they didn’t have time to do what they wanted to do (paint toenails, watch television, and a million other non-priority items).  Once everyone was in the car (15 minutes later than normal, I might add), I reminded them both we had only three priorities everyone morning.  1) Get dressed  2) Eat breakfast  3) Get to school.  They’re aware of my expectations but tend to get wandering eyes as other personal priorities steal their attention.

We’re all running this race of life.  The older I get, the more I’m reminded we’re not all striving for the same prize.  Many are running this race for an actual prize – accolades, trophies, or other tangible things.  This type of focus finds us running in circles because we never have enough stuff.  In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul states [bold emphasis is my own], “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Phil 3:12-14]  I love the fact that he’s up-front and honest with them.  He’s informing them that just because he’s leading them doesn’t mean he’s perfect and has it all together.  Actually, it’s just the opposite.  But he does make a choice to turn his back on that things that are behind him while choosing what will be priority in his life.  Priority for him is pressing towards the prize.  Seems logical in a race, right?  But he’s quick to inform them, the prize isn’t some tangible thing.  The prize is the calling.  This type of calling will lead to a lifetime of striving to fulfill what God has given him to do for the kingdom.

Closing remarks and encouragement-It’s easy to lose our focus.  Our flesh is pulling us one way while out spirit pulls us another.  We’re all striving for a prize today.  The question remains, what prize have you chosen to strive for?  These tangible things here are earth will one day pass away as we can’t take them with us.  But our relationship with Christ comes with eternal value.  Where’s your focus?  What’s your prize?  Only YOU can choose.