Tomatoed

Dr. Tara shared the following illustrative story at large group yesterday evening:

When in graduate school, I started growing tomatoes to take a break from some of the academic studiousness. I kept them on the deck out back and took care of them, watering them when they were looking wilty, and I was rewarded with some edible and beautiful fruit. But my understanding of nurturing was completely transformed when visiting my parents: they didn't just water their tomatoes when they needed it, but took care of them with water and fertilizer and dirt and weed-protection daily - they didn't react to problems, but prevented them.

In today's hectic and busy world, too much goes on for individuals to retain control of everything and conduct everything with thoughtful order - part of life is learning how to deal with the limitations of time and energy and orchestrating different aspects into a somehow pleasing and successful symphony worthy of notice and appreciation.

Vagueness is killer. Heard a philosophy lecturer today talk about "Tough-Minded Theories in Ethics," including the Rational Choice Theory, which states that "the rational action is that for which no other produces greater expected utility." Easy: rational actions are good, and we can discern them by looking at what decisions end in the greatest amount of utility. Utility?

Applications to life priorities and time management: killerly complicated. I'll trust in the wisdom of my elders, especially those inspired to record God's words: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). I'll strive to learn from Jesus Christ, who, during even the busiest and most exciting times, "went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35).

I admittedly have a lot to learn about priorities and order and wisdom and discernment and intentionality, but one thing I do know is that, of anything in life, a relationship with God is something to be purposefully cultivated: I pray that I set aside the time to plan fellowship with Him and walk with Him, knowing Him and reflecting His glory more each and every day. One thing I do know is that it would be a disgrace to only pay attention to my relationship with God when something in life makes it clear that I'm lacking in that area: I pray that His generous blessings and humbling love remain at the forefront of my mind to the point that my response is continual worship of and thanksgiving to my Lord and My God.