Sequences

Forced ranking competing priorities is never easy.  Most of the time, we refuse to follow the process, no matter how helpful it could be.  We let time and circumstances choose for us.  I am not a fan of letting go.  It seems to me as if one is abandoning one’s role and responsibilities.  One factor pushing us into this corner is that our choice is either or.  It isn’t.
 
Forced rank means one must choose which thing is most important, especially in context to other choices.  Just because one makes one priority first doesn’t mean that one cannot accomplish anything else until the first is complete.  On the contrary, one may accomplish one or even multiple other priorities on the way to achieving the first!  It isn’t the sequence which is dictated by priorities, rather our focus and attention.
 
For example; when the disciples heard the instruction from the stranger on the shore they instinctively followed.  This often happens when we hear truth.  Our bodies know what it is before we have had a chance to think through anything.  As their realization dawned their first priority was to get to the Master.  And so “the other disciples came in by boat for they weren't far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish.” (John 21.8)  They didn’t ignore the task at hand.  They accomplished goal number two on the way to number one.
 
I wonder if you or I understand the opportunity this brings.  Do you realize that the best way to happiness and peace is by responding to the call Divinity gives each?  Is it clear how integral satisfaction and fulfillment are with purpose?  Can we imagine the ongoing impact of bringing compassion, mercy, and acceptance to the lives of those around us on our own life?  This isn’t about dictating which value and priority is number one.  It is about realizing how connected the values and priorities we hold closest to our hearts are to the journey we take.  Everything is possible.  Today is a window of hope.