Back to Basics

     Do you have any idea how many new products claim to bring you "Back to Basics"?  Dang.  So many that I am becoming confused.  What are the basics?  If you start with a quick Google/Internet search you too will be amazed and overwhelmed with everything that is included in "getting back to the basics".  There is everything from food, exercise, furniture, decorating, cosmetics, manners, Bible study, hair care, hunting, survival and the list continues on forever.  I guess that makes some sense, there are basics to everything.  So what does it mean when someone wants to get back to basics?  In most homes it means it's cleaning time.  Personally, I am not a obsessive cleaner so that won't work.
     So, if we focus solely on the basics of life that should narrow it down a bit.  Breathing.  I'm thinking that breathing is pretty basic.  It goes along with eating, drinking, sleeping, and things like that.  Okay, check.  Those are all pretty basic but let's journey beyond that and the things we need to live (like shelter) just for a bit.  What if the "basics of life" simply meant those few things that mean the most to you?  This begs the question of what are the basics of my life?  An even better question, what would YOU think the basics of my life are?  Would my list and your list match?
     It is pretty easy for each of us to list what is important to us, God, family, work, charities, activities, etc.  However, if we really wanted to know what is important all we have to do is look at our calendar/to do list.  That will tell us our real priorities and what is really basic in our life. 

"Action expresses priorities."      
Gandhi 

"Lack of time is actually lack of priorities."

Timothy Ferriss from The 4-Hour Workweek

     Before that becomes too harsh, allow me to elaborate a little.  Your family might be a priority but in order to provide for your family you may need to work.  That is totally understandable.  The question of what is important to you is more about whether you work because you love to work and would rather work than anything else or if you work for a purpose.  What if we remove work from the equation?  Do you volunteer with the Boy Scouts because you really enjoy it or do your volunteer with Boy Scouts because you enjoy doing it with your son?   Is it a combination of the two?  Do you read your Bible each day because you want to read it or because the Pastor told you should read it every day?  I encourage you to read it despite the reason why.  Motivation is the key to understanding how our time is spent and why.  Now you have a way to figure out if you are truly getting back to the basics of life. 
     So, did your calendar/to do list match up with what is the most important to you?  If your answer is yes, congratulations!  Now you know you are back to basics with regard to all that is truly important to you personally.  If your answer is no, then now is your opportunity.  Rearrange your life so you are able to get back to your own basics instead of someone else's.  It might take time and effort but you are worth it!