Don’t Be Hacked

I was hacked! My blog site was hacked! Someone stripped me of my administrative rights and took over my blog site. My blog! Whoever you are, That wasn’t nice, obviously your mom didn’t teach you to play nice with the other kids.

But it’s all-good, because now my site is better and stronger! My amazing nephew—who builds websites—helped me and built a new and improved website. Thank you, Anthony! You’ve made this auntie very proud!

Apparently, my password was not strong enough. I chose a password based on what was easy and simple, one I could easily remember. Well, this was a terrible idea.

But isn’t this what we do? We make decisions based on what’s easy and simple.

My new password is solid. Not easy or simple in any way. It’s more challenging for me, but in the long run it will be well worth it.

I needed a stronger shield.

This has happened in my life as well: not having a strong enough shield around what’s most important to me. I allow shallow things to consume my time. I get swept up in meaningless time vacuums. I get caught up in “drama.” I allow emotions to take me adrift. I say no, when I should have said yes. And I say yes, when I should have said no. Sometimes I need a stronger shield around my life.

How about you?

Do you need a stronger shield?

Sometimes in our lives we neglect our best choices and opt for easy choices.
For instance, when was the last time you had a date night with your spouse? When was the last time you took your kids for ice cream? When was the last time you listened to a loved one with uninterrupted attention? (In other words with no cell phone in your hand.)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” –Matthew 6:19

We can become so busy that we neglect our most important relationships.

It’s easier to turn on the computer or TV than to make dinner reservations. It’s easier to drop your child off somewhere or buy him or her a new “toy,” than to put time aside just for him or her. It’s easier to text someone rather than to get together and talk over coffee or lunch. It’s easier to get lost in social media instead of putting the phone away and truly listening to those we love.

It’s easier to complain than to step up and help.

It’s easier to watch church online than to attend a church service.

Don’t be fooled by the hollow illusion of what seems easier.

Easy can be a great deceiver. Just because something is easy or simple does not make it what’s best in our life. Precious time stolen away by busyness will leave you with empty memories and piercing regrets.

Make a list today of what is most important to you in your life.

Then look at your calendar. Does your calendar reflect your “most important list”?

If it doesn’t, don’t fret. You can change the course of your life right now with a few steps.

1. Set up a date night with your spouse.
2. Schedule time with your kids.
3. Get together with a dear friend.
4. Take that trip to visit a family member.
5. Help someone.
6. Listen to someone.
7. Get your buttocks in a chair Sunday morning at church.
8. Turn off your phone once in awhile and pay attention to what’s around you.
9. Sit outside. Smell the air. Look at the trees. Listen for the birds. Smile.
10. Wink at someone … for real, and not digitally.

Give your life a boost by scheduling time for what’s most important.

Don’t allow your life to be hacked. Is it time to put a stronger shield around your life and the people who are most important?

Love someone today.