What are we doing as a society, culture, world…?  We cannot even comprehend what is real, and what is not real.  Many believe we are truly living in the matrix. The confusion going on today is causing stress in every aspect of society.  Nothing makes sense, or should it be said, everything is nonsensical.   What are we to do to bring discipline and focus back into our lives?

We need to shut it down… the chatter, the noise, the press, the social apps, the radio, tv, and email to name just some of the noise constantly coming at us.  Just think about the last time you set your phone down.  Oh, you cannot remember?  We need to shut it down periodically so we can take walks, exercise, meditate, sleep, and find focus.  Make it a habit to shut off your phone at night, or at least put it the farthest physical distance away from your bed.  Then make it a habit when you wake up that you do not turn it on or look at it until you have achieved some simple goals.  Shower, brush your teeth, exercise, make breakfast, go for a walk, something that can bring some semblance of discipline to your former habits.  Make it a point when you do turn it on, that there is a schedule or plan to get into to break this bond between yourself and the phone, tablet, computer, or any other electronic device that is taking over your life.

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Don’t be like that guy on the rooftop…

You’ve all probably heard the apocryphal story about the guy stuck on his rooftop during a terrible flood who was praying to God for help.

A rowboat came by and shouted for the man to jump down. “It’s OK,” said the man of faith. “I’m praying to God, and He’s going to save me.” So, the rowboat moved on to help someone else.

Then a motorboat came by. “Jump in,” said the Good Samaritan. “I can save you.” But the stranded man said, “No thanks, I’m praying to God. He is going to save me.” So, the motorboat went on.

Then a helicopter came by and the pilot shouted down, “Grab this rope and I will lift you to safety.” Again, the stranded man replied, “No thanks, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me.” So, the helicopter pilot reluctantly flew away.

Soon the water rose above the rooftop and the man drowned. When he got to heaven he asked God, “I had faith in you, but you didn’t save me, you let me drown. Why?” To this God replied, “I sent you a rowboat, a motorboat, and a helicopter. What more did you expect?” Don’t be like that guy on the rooftop…

I did not write this and could not find an author to attribute this story for their credit. This story is a great lesson in not recognizing the opportunities presented to us that come our way each day. And they come every day.

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