Priorities

So do you ever think what your priorities are in life? What are your top 4? What do you want to accomplish or be known as when you are gone? Just think about it for a second...

Last night a friend asked me - "Andrea, what is your #1 priority in life right now?"

I looked at him like...DUH! But at first didnt' say what I was thinking...M A R R I A G E! But then I did, because who cares right? That should be my priority. I mean, I've done a TON and so that should be next on my list right? I've got College, Mission, Graduate, Full-time job, and that just sounds pretty well like my list is getting crossed off, except for that one...

Then he asked, "So what's your #2?"

- - - (long silent pause) - - - sigh... - - - ???? (puzzling look)! - - -

I really couldn't think of the next one!! HAHA, I mean, I have goals and stuff, but they're not things that I think about "accomplishing" really in the same way as marriage and children. He proceeded to give me suggestions:
Work? - - - NO way! I mean I like work, but that's not perminent...
More school? - - Heck no right now...
Spirituality Increasing? - - Ummm, yeah that should definitely be on my list...Whoops!! Yes, I want to grow spiritually...

Wow. What a QUESTION! My answers, or lack of answers, were really eye openers. My friend sure reminded me that God should be #1 !! I didn't even think of that first! Maybe if I did think to put him at the top of that list in my brain (and I do have that on my list, it might just not be something I think about in the same way) then I'd have all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of my life (Pres. Benson quote). I love that quote. And maybe I just wasn't being spiritual at that moment, but in all honesty, I do want to work on that A LOT. I want to be close with the Lord and find that inner strength and happiness for any situation that may come into my life. And that reminds me of another thing that should be a priority - Living with God again someday! Another obvious one to remember more.

The other thing that was an eye opener is just that maybe I need a few more "Priorities" or something that drives me?? I mean, I have many goals, so I just need to put them higher on a list at some point. They're more daily accomplishments though rather than things to check off a list. Like piano, exercise, etc. But - maybe this priority should be labeled Education or Talents. ? If I learn ice skating, if I learn dancing, and get good at the piano and keep exercising, I think I will be creating J O Y and also trying to PUSH my limits and the gifts that God gave me. I also have another new friend - he just pushes himself in every sport, etc because he loves to see how far we really can take our bodies. I don't do that at all! I'm a cautious girl :) But, maybe I can do it a bit more with my talents I want to develop. I've got a whole list. Okay...now I'm overwhelmed. But I thought this a great Reality Check for me and maybe all of you today. Priorities. Get 'em straight.