Over the past decade relationships and families have really suffered. Technology has become such a huge part of our daily lives and we simply think we can’t live without it. Televisions, DVR’s, Facebook, Twitter, email, selfies, chat rooms and cell phones have all become second nature. You hear stories about people breaking up through instant messaging, you see commercials with families texting each other at the kitchen table; the madness of it all is quite overwhelming. So how in the world are you to keep first things first and determine what truly is a priority and what is just cluttering your life?

Hey, I’ll be the first one to say…technology can be fantastic. I use it everyday myself. But, the world we are living in is draining us dry. People are so eager to post a selfie or tell us everything going on in their lives via Facebook or Twitter; you have to stop and wonder how in the world does anybody get anything accomplished anymore?

Heck, there was a time in my life where I wore two cell phones, a pager and a laptop everywhere I went. I was always on call. The stress and pressure of it completely drained me. Even with all the technology, I always felt like I got nothing accomplished. I couldn’t even go to the bathroom without carrying one of my phones with me. I honestly felt like I was going to miss something. Does that sound like you?

What I did next might not be for you but I had a choice to make. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t worldly. It wasn’t popular. But I knew that I had to do something drastic to break the cycle and clear the clutter in my life. I dumped my cell phone. I stopped carrying my laptop. I stopped checking Facebook, Twitter, and emails every day. I decided to take my life back.

The most important thing we can do is clear the clutter from our daily lives and determine what is important. For me…I wanted closer relationships where I could actually have real conversations not just an LOL tweet. I wanted people to know that I really cared about them and what was going on in their lives; but in a real, meaningful way…spending quality time with them. I wanted to hear God’s voice clearer and know His direction for my life, so I started devoting my first few minutes to Him every single morning.

Was it easy to make the change? Absolutely not. Was it worth it? Absolutely, 100% Yes!

It wasn’t until I made these drastic changes that God started using me. It wasn’t until I made a choice to spend the first few minutes of every morning with Him that He decided to take me on an amazing journey.

Technology is great but I had to make a conscience decision and effort not to allow it to be first in my life. Once I did that, things started changing. I noticed that I was sleeping better. Waking up with energy to burn. I wasn’t so stressed. I could remain calm under pressure. And I was able to get much more accomplished in 24 hours than ever possible.

I’ve never been happier and God has used me in ways I’ve never dreamed of. His dreams for me are so incredible that I don’t want to miss a single moment. But not only that, I have true relationships with people I love. I can honestly say that God has made a major impact in my life. Not just with Him but in everything that is truly important to me.

So why don’t you clear the clutter and start putting Him first in your life. You don’t have to do anything drastic like I did. Every morning when you wake up take a moment to say Thank you Lord, I’m in your hands and this day is going to be awesome. Start giving yourself a nightly break. Set a time where all the electronics are shut down and spend that time with people you love or reading your Bible or taking a walk around the block or volunteering as a family.

Just by taking these small measures could begin your amazing journey too. What comes next is worth much more and the rewards are far greater than you could ever imagine. Peace, joy, happiness and contentment are within your grasp! Don’t miss your moment…take that first step today!

Referenced Scriptures

Matthew 6:31-33: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”