Second Collapse of the Mayan Culture...

   The Mayan Culture, at one time, was complex with its economy, government, etc. It's collapse before the Colonial  Period was said to be caused by many things...natural disasters, disease, peasant revolt, etc. There's been a lot of talk lately about the "end of the world" because the Mayan calendar ends this year. My calendar ends every year, but the world doesn't end. A  friend pointed out, even if it does end, if you're ready (you're sure of eternity) why worry?
   So even though historians can't agree on what caused the first collapse of the Mayan Culture, I'm pretty sure the second collapse can be traced to a girl from Oklahoma on her first mission trip to Belize who didn't know a thing about their culture. Guess I should explain.
   On my first mission trip to Belize I was in charge of games for the afternoons we spent in the villages doing Everyday Sunday School. I was okay with that; I had lots of experience.  I planned games and the kids, although shy at first, really got into the games and had a great time. We played girls against the boys and the competitions were lively. I thought things were going well.
   The second day our mission director pulled me aside and said the Village Chairman (like our mayor) had said he'd never seen the children so competitive.  I asked what he meant.  According to the Village Chairman, the children were not usually so competitive...especially the girls.  The girls never competed with the boys.  I was horrified! In just two days I felt like I had totally destroyed the culture. I was assured that all was not lost and the Chairman thought it was okay for a little competition.
   I made it a point to do research and find out more about the culture before my next trip to Belize. I've come to realize that know the culture of a people and respecting that culture goes a long way to effectively sharing the gospel.
   A few days ago I heard a Casting Crowns song called "While You Were Sleeping." It talks about how Bethlehem was sleeping during Christ's birth and Jerusalem was sleeping during His resurrection. It goes on to talk about America and Christ's return.  The song is what got me thinking about that first mission trip and how the American culture is eroding day by day. Yes, we have international "clout" and remain the land of the free and the home of the brave, but, especially this time of year, I'm more aware of commercialism, selfishness and the need to have more, have bigger, have better.
   What happened to putting others first? What happened to servant leadership? What happened to the difference between needs and wants? How did dollars become an expression of love?
   There are still those who do selfless acts...random acts of kindness, angel trees, helping neighbors, etc.  Recently in our community a child asked those attending his birthday party to bring gifts to donate for Toys for Tots. He invited the whole town and donated over 500 toys.
   All is not lost. Prayer Warriors are still on their knees for friends, family, our nation and our world. God's kingdom is still being tended to today. I pray I don't forget Whose I am and just because our culture says something is permissible doesn't mean it's okay. I don't want to be caught sleeping.

A Balancing Act

   Loved the imagery in yesterday's devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. "Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart...As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so My Presence revitalizes you as you sit quietly with Me."  Let's face it, we all need to be revitalized. Life is crazy busy with everyday stuff, then something major comes along in the mix and ,if we let it, everything gets out of control. So how do we sort out what's important and what's not? There's a simple answer...Jesus. (I'm reminded of my years as a youth pastor.  When I asked a question, nine times out of ten, a student would reply "Jesus."  When I asked for an explanation, I would get the reply, "He's the answer to all our questions."  At the time I kind of thought it was a cop-out, but now I'm beginning to see the wisdom of the youth in the group!)
   Also  from the devotion:

So many many things vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication.  The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God. [Psalm 46:10] However, this timeless truth is essential for the well-being of your soul.

So how do we manage?

   That really doesn't need comment.  It's a constant balancing act. We all know how we spend our time...faith, family, friends, job, Facebook, television, texting, video games, etc.  Is faith something you do only on Sundays? Are you too busy working to spend time in the evenings with family and friends? Are the things at work so worrisome that when you're with family and friends you're really not "with" them?  I'm always sad to go to a restaurant and see a family sitting at a table...mom and dad on a phone talking or texting, kids playing video games, texting, or with earphones listening to music...no one talking to each other. 
    This part really spoke to me: "A refreshed, revitalized mind is able to sort out what is important and what is not.  In its natural condition, your mind easily gets stuck on trivial matters"  My friends know I get distracted easily. [You're going to have to quit laughing so you can finish reading this post.] Yes, I've had to develop a system to clean house because, in the past, it would be a lengthy process because I would leave the room I was cleaning to put something in another room, get distracted by something in that room, stay in that room and do something completely unrelated to cleaning. (Example: Take something to the living room, see a scrapbook out and, instead of putting the scrapbook away, sit down to look at the scrapbook to finish an hour or more later, because I love reliving the memories.)
   More great imagery: "Like the spinning wheels of a car trapped in mud, the cogs of your brain spin impotently when you focus on a trivial thing.  As soon as you start communicating with Me about the matter, your thoughts gain traction and you can move on to more important things."
   I wasn't surprised one of the scripture passages for the devotion was Luke 10:39-41.  That may sound familiar since I used it a few days ago...it's the story of Mary and Martha. I'm still working on my Mary side!
   It's a comfort to know that when I do communicate with God, He will help me be discerning so I can spend more time on the important and less time on the unimportant. "Communicate with Me continually, and I will put My thoughts into your mind."  I'm finding more and more that when I keep an open and honest dialogue going with God, He directs my thoughts; sometimes giving me a better solution or a different approach to a problem. This definitely helps me concentrate more on the important things in life.