Priority One

Camping Trip or 5K?
Two choices between good and great.  This is when priorities matter.  This is when integrity matters.

Some of you know that Kim and I have been reading through the Harry Potter series (I highly recommend you read them if you haven't yet!  They're great!).  I actually just finished the last one this past week.  By far, this last book was the best.  Not only was the story line unbelievable, but also there were bits of truth and wisdom spread throughout it unlike the others.  One such passage struck me and has had me chewing on it ever since:

"It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well. (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)."

Am I the person who never seeks power?  Or am I the one who seeks it and desires the recognition, the influence, the pride that accompanies it?  Probably the latter. 

Just recently I've felt the temptation towards small amounts of power lingering at the door, with the eagerness and anticipation that it may cross the threshold and begin building a tiny empire in my heart.  Through the conversations with people at work and at church, I feel this temptation to seek leadership and thus power and the downward spiral that it leads.  Yet, the enters community. 

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:12.

I was debating between running in the 5K in which I had already committed to or bailing on that and doing the men's campout through our church.  And for me, the campout held the ability to continue to foster friendships, influence, leadership, and power.  But power was probably the greatest driver.  So, in my mind, i had chosen to bail on the 5K.  Kim's reaction to me bailing on her and the rest of our running group jostled me to reconsider this thought.  At this point is when I realized that the choice was really between integrity and self-preservation. 

This is another reason why skipping church can sometimes be the most godly thing you can do.  And so, we skipped church Sunday, allowing Kim and I to spend more time on us, and allowing me to cast aside even more fully the allure of whatever temptation power may bring.  It allowed me to recenter on my first priority next to God: Kim.  And when in competition between all other choices or opportunities, Kim wins.

Fat boy 5k, here we come!