Searching for Clarity in a World of Clutter

CBN.com - Earlier this spring, I was prepared to write a thought provoking, mind bending column on the Masters Golf Tournament. I had done the research. I would have told you that Tiger Woods victory was the first time since 1990 and only the third time ever that a champion has won back to back Masters. I could have provided crackerjack analysis on why Vijay Singh and Ernie Els self-destructed on the back nine. I would have reserved space to praise Arnold Palmer for his lifelong contributions to the game of golf. I even could have impressed you with knowing the size of Tigers teal championship blazer. But I cant do that. Why you ask? Because I didnt watch it. Well I did sort of. Let me explain.

It all started when I had what I thought was a brilliant idea. Through the wonders of television satellite technology I realized shortly before the beginning of baseball season that I could watch my favorite Major League baseball team even though I lived in a different region of the country. All I needed to do, was call my satellite dish provider and sign up for the sports network that carried my teams games. Sounds simple enough, so I picked up the phone one night and set out to dial up the network that would provide a summers worth of hardball entertainment from the confines of my very own living room.

As I journeyed through a labyrinth-styled automated phone system menu, I soon realized that for the cost of what I was planning to pay for one regional sports network I could receive 21 similar networks from around the country that featured not only Major League baseball but NBA basketball, NHL hockey, a plethora of college sports, auto racing, tennis, PGA golf, bicycle racing, Australian rules football, rugby, European professional soccer, professional lacrosse, and even chess championships! I couldnt believe it. I could receive a complete cornucopia of athletic competition for the cost of a couple of movie rentals. SIGN ME UP!!

The first few evenings with this super-duper sports package were viewed without incident. As planned, I watched my favorite team play twice. But as many Americans do, I like to flick back and forth between channels during commercial breaks. What I discovered was mind-boggling. I quickly realized there were probably seven to ten different sporting events I was interested in watching every single night.

Needless to say, I was soon flicking between these sporting events with reckless abandon. I found myself becoming interested in learning the rules to Australian Rules football. I was enthralled by the challenge of watching the Red Sox/Orioles, Tigers/Devil Rays, and Giants/Dodgers games all at once.

So, by the time the Masters arrived, I was in complete clicking overload. I would only watch it for about three minutes per hour due to the seven other games I was watching at the same time. My sports viewing mind had become completely cluttered.

By my second week with the Super Duper Sports Pack I came to the following conclusions:

1. Professional soccer really needs to consider adding a two point shot.
2. I completely dislike the Anaheim Angels new uniforms (too much red).
3. Field hockey executives need to consider making a left handed stick so that all players arent forced to play right handed.

I have obviously written this column with a tongue-in-cheek approach yet it serves as a wonderful metaphor for what most of us battle in our every day lives. That is the battle for clarity in a world that promotes clutter.

Take a moment to reflect on what you have been involved in recently your way to busy work schedule, the never ending appointments, meetings, soccer practices, recitals, and plays you must attend, your attitude toward others in the heat of the moment, and your goals for the next day, next week, next month, or even next year.

Now consider where God fits into all of that. Not much room, huh?

This is a battle that all of us face nearly every day. We get so caught up in what is happening at work, making sure that little Billy gets to his guitar lesson on time, and picking up something for dinner, that spending a few quality moments meditating on Gods word becomes a rushed two minute speed read of a Psalm. It is honorable that you at least made an effort but it is not nearly enough.

My intention to watch only one sports channel was innocent enough, but I soon discovered it was very easy to let other games seep into my viewing habits. The same is true of our every day lives. Our intentions are good but bit by bit we often become consumed with "other" things and time spent in prayer/devotions with our Father becomes compromised or completely pushed aside.

Whenever this happens to me I try to get rid of the gray by focusing on a verse from the Gospel of Mark.

This verse is only 17 words long yet it is packed full of purpose. As Christians, this is the most precious moment we look forward to. But rather than spend as much time as we possibly can in prayer or reading His word, we often find ourselves trying to wedge Him into our day. Personally, this verse helps to keep my life in perspective. It makes me take pause, realizing that as a believer in Jesus Christ the rest of the world is only clutter. For true clarity, I need to slow down and reflect only on Him.

Tell me what you think