False Advertising

Got to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6-7

The background photo on my computer is a picture of two basset hounds stretched out and serenely snoozing on a blanket spread on the floor in front of my favorite easy chair. Just looking at it gives me a rush of serotonin with the corresponding sense of well-being.
The truth is, it is absolutely false advertising for the beasts. It does nothing to convey their propensity to bark, shed, drool, or stink.
(I happen to think their attributes outweigh their negatives, but can understand others may have a differing opinion - not today’s subject.)

Focus instead on the difference between what things look like and what they are in reality. The Legislature convenes each morning (or afternoon on Mondays), they have a prayer, recite the pledge, recognize a doctor of the day and pass some resolutions honoring persons, places or things. After an hour or so of doing virtually nothing, they adjourn and are free to do as they please until the ritual begins again the next morning. Evenings are filled with multiple opportunities for too much to eat and drink. It is deceptively false advertising for the novice who may believe this will be the model for the rest of the session.

Part of my job is to analyze legislation and make policy recommendations. That requires both an understanding of the legislation that is under consideration and the background of the issues being discussed. It also requires a clear mind to be able to process the information and to articulate a position quickly. I cannot afford to wait until an issue arises to consider all its implication. The policies developed here have too much impact on the lives of the citizens of Texas for me to make poor decisions.

Each of us, regardless of the position we may hold, are divinely placed in our positions for a specific purpose. We may believe that what is happening today has no bearing on tomorrow or eternity, and allow that belief to lull us into a sense of complacency. We think that lack of sleep, improper exercise and nutrition, and over drinking will have no bearing on our actions tomorrow.

Like the ant, now is the time for the wise to be gathering their “food.” Whether that “food” is sleep, information, exercise, or relationships, take full advantage of each hour of today to purposely cultivate those things that will be needed in the rush of the coming days.

Divine purposes deserve our best efforts.

Lord, help me to live for eternity, not for today. Amen