Accolades, Squandering, Mouse the Modern Morphine Pump, Mesmerized

A quick update on running ran yesterday with the Mia and Theophani upwards of about six miles. Now onto today's message. One's definition of success one honest accounting of what is valued and which accolades are sought after, tells a more accurate portrait of what the individual really serves. If professional acclaim and promotion is what drives you then choices and efforts are placed there. Family health and connection is another. What we do and how we pursue our goals are what defines the nature of the person more then sweeping  statements and professions of faith or some unrelated ideal we may have of ourselves. It is not possible to actually put God first when the time spent seeking Him and strengthening that relationship and exchange is always taking a back seat to the popular seen, work, financial ambition, social climbing or socializing. The notion that attending church services regularly don't  directly impact day to day living is fool hearty. The declaration that attending church occaisionally is sufficient and has adaquate benefit is contradictory to other claims made by individuals who uphold this falacious belief. These are the same people who see the benefit of pumping iron regularily and who likewise maintain that binge drinking with friends 'occaisionally' has no great impact on character, drive, health or judgement. It is equally absurd as believing that making that one business connection will change much of anything including business. People are always searching for that one break to make up for all the 'sacrifice' and it doesn't happen that way. Such individuals are completely lost, affirming that all indications to the contrary, are in some way beside the point. They are much like the dog chasing its tail or the tail wagging the dog. A successful life is built on the foundations of the world on increments of learning associating and familiarizing oneself with the way of God. Breakthroughs are the result of concerted effort overtime with diligence and should be approached as an ultra marathon not a 50 yard dash. Untold human potential lay waste to fantastical dreams and whimsical ambition and 'intuition'. I often tell people when departing from their company 'go with God'. If you are with Him your journey will be secured; regardless of the outcome because the course is established by the company you keep. I  don't know how to explain this to younger, more ambitious, self confident types who fail to discern that over confidence is a weakness and liability. I don't know how to explain this to the youth of today who have all the accolades of their parent's diligence, hard-work and success. All the high minded, snooty pleasures, superficial beauty without any of the exertion effort or personal accomplishment. There is a trend of entitlement which is sweeping this nation which is telling youth (and all of us really) how much we deserve over inflating our self image and self esteem. You no longer hear the cries of  'poor self esteem' any longer because the egotistical beast is fed daily. We have become a society which grips the mouse or stylus while looking aimlessly into the abyss of the pretty little lights like a junkies. We have become stupefied exchanging actual currency: reality with a forgery. With each click each nano second we are immediately rewarded with pretty pictures and intellectual numbing. Our view of reality has never been so challenged so that we are no longer even seeking the deeper things, the eternal but only the immediate. Get unplugged from the  matrix and you will find that you not only survive but you thrive. Tweet no more!!! Shut the cell very very very very few people need you that badly. When my phone rings I only answer about 15% of the time. I only check who's calling if my children are not with me. Everyone else doesn't need me on demand and you know what everyone survives! In fact the only people who are bothered by the fact that I am not bound to the immediacy of the call are those who wish to serve their own interest or intrude. The cares of this life will choke off your spiritual side. Feed your spirit, your soul is the only thing which can't be taken from you can't be stolen. Only you can neglect it and forsake it. Only you can defend and nuture it. It is the one aspect of yourself the one part of your health and real life that is totally within your control.