As I sit in the comfort of my home writing this article, the news media and relief organizations continue to report on the suffering of the thousands of Tsunami victims of Southeast Asia. Fear, confusion, death, destruction and hopelessness are words being used to describe the feelings of those left behind. Everything else seems insignificant. (To help with Tsunami relief, one possibility is Healing Hands International.)

The war in Iraq continues to claim the lives of men and women who left the comforts of their homes to fight for freedom and continues to see an oppressed people have their lives and homes threatened by insurgent violence. Everything else seems insignificant.

A phone call informed me that cancer has won another battle. A wife, two sons, and grandchildren are left behind. Everything else seems insignificant.

The trip I had planned to attend a conference out west this week seems insignificant.
The completion of the construction of our new worship facility seems insignificant.
Trying to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve seems insignificant.
Winning a bowl game seems insignificant.
The movie that brought in the most money over the weekend seems insignificant.
A superstar signing a multi-million dollar contract seems insignificant.
Running out of hot water seems insignificant.
Eating so much that I feel uncomfortable seems insignificant.
The high price of gas seems insignificant.
Driving a twelve-year-old car seems insignificant.
A rude comment seems insignificant.
Standing in line at the bank seems insignificant.
Having no milk in the house seems insignificant.
Trying to decide what to wear seems insignificant.
A long line at the drive through to get a cup of coffee seems insignificant.
Not being able to find anything worth watching on television seems insignificant.
Waiting in traffic seems insignificant.
Feeling a little under the weather seems insignificant.
Words seem insignificant.

In light of what is going on in certain parts of the world in the lives of real, flesh and blood people, everything else seems insignificant.

Father, help me keep my perspective.
Father, help me keep my perspective on what is important. Give me discernment and wisdom. Help me stop whining and complaining. Help me appreciate my life. In the name of Jesus I ask this. Amen.

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT)