The Intricacies and Musings of a Madman

Before I discuss The Big Three, I have to share with you the worst thing that’s ever happened. It’s not relevant to the topic. I just want to tell you about it.

Back in 1975, when my dad was 22, he and my grandmother and aunt sang in a small choir of about 50 people. The church put on an Easter concert that year, and somehow someone managed to record it (which is impressive considering the decade).

Anyway, on Easter this year, my family listened to the recording. As you can imagine, such a small church contained a mixed bag of talent (overall, they sounded great, though), and some people were given solos when they shouldn’t have. There was one solo in particular that sounded so bad that I started laughing. I couldn’t help it – the guy’s voice cracked at one point. I kept hounding him and hounding him, and every time I said something, my mom and sister laughed hysterically. I thought it was because they agreed with me. Turns out…

Well, I asked my dad how he kept a straight face while this guy sang. He said he couldn’t laugh, that he wasn’t able to. I asked him why. I figured it was because he’d have gotten into trouble or something. BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY BECAUSE THE GUY SINGING WAS HIM.

I’ve never felt so awful for something in my life. I could’ve died.

Okay, so about The Big Three – the whole reason you’re here. I’ve found that there are three things critical to leading a fulfilled life – and when you think about it, for most people in typical situations, they’re pretty easy. They are:

Get enough sleep …because nearly every aspect of your day depends on your ability to function. Running at 100% will enrich your life in ways that are surprising.

Do whatever you need to stay healthy …because a healthy body usually means a healthy soul. Don’t obsess too much about this though. Just casually make good habits (like eating modest portions of food that aren’t absurdly bad for you).

Walk closely with the Lord …because doing so will give you wisdom and peace. It goes without saying that this is the most crucial of the three. Everything hinges on it. God will bless you, guide you, love you, and tend to your needs. Nothing could be more important, and it all starts with spending time alone with Him in prayer.

Satan loves to trick us into thinking these are hard. It’s because his goal is to discourage you and steal your quality of life. Don’t let him fool you. Your life is precious, especially in the eyes of God.