After having a wonderful semester, my students and I wanted a memorable ending for one of my classes when I was at Asia-Pacific International University, Thailand. So, we went out for lunch as a class. Coming back to campus, we stopped at the main gate to take pictures. Some were taking group selfies or ussies. Ussies is now an official term that made it to the urban dictionary.

As a photographer, I like taking pictures of people who are taking selfies. It is another perspective smartphones added to photography. Those pictures look more candid than the selfies themselves. I zoomed in on two of my students, Anna and Eva, without trying to get their attention while they were taking ussies. Eva noticed that I was taking their picture, she smiled at my camera and got back to the selfie they were taking. If Eva alerted Anna, it would have spoiled mine. What she did was perfect, just what I wanted.

Life constantly gives us a choice on what to prioritize. Sometimes we dedicate ourselves to accomplish something BIG at the expense of SMALL YET IMPORTANT things in life. By the time we achieve the BIG ones, there may be no chance to do those little yet important things. I remember the regret of one professor about not playing with his young son because he had to focus on earning his doctorate.

Managing our priorities demands our flexibility. Sometimes, we may need to hit the pause button to accommodate other activities. Some things in life can only be done within a limited time span. It may be calling a loved one, visiting someone who is lying on a deathbed, showing love and appreciation to parents, or celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. In some cases, even getting married may require pausing a long-term goal. How about breaking from the daily hustle and bustle to whisper a PRAYER?

Even though life requires us to juggle our priorities based on their significance, there is one aspect of life that should always be a priority, SALVATION. "For God says, 'At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.' Indeed, the 'right time' is now. Today is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2 NLT). We actually have the assurance from Christ himself that if we prioritize the heavenly, the earthly priorities fall in place according to his will. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33 NKJV).

Reflection

Was there a time in your life deciding on your priority was a struggle? How did you handle it? What helped you to make a decision?

Prayer Journal

Are there weaknesses in your spiritual life caused by wrong priorities? What are the things you want God to help you prioritize?