Pierce Pounder

​Matthew 6:33 (NIV): “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
 
Thursday was my family day this past week, which is the day where I say “no” to everything else and “yes” to my family. On family days, we try to get things done around the house and make memories in the process. Well, this particular day, in the middle of the afternoon, my wife pokes her head into the room where I was playing with the kids and asks whether I want to do something crazy. She asked whether we wanted to drive to Pierce and try the Pierce Pounder.
 
The Pierce Pounder is a challenge offered by J’s Place in Pierce, where one has to eat 6 oz of brownie, a pound and a half of ice cream, a choice of three toppings, a pile of whipped cream, and a cherry. There is no time limit, but one cannot vomit during it or within five minutes of eating it.
 
We have wanted to try the Pierce Pounder for a while, but never made an effort to do so. Other things kept coming up, or perhaps we were just acting mature.
 
Well, on a whim, we packed up the kids and headed to Pierce to conquer the challenge, which we did, if you were wondering.
 
As I was slowly choking down the last few bites, I thought about priorities. We will make time for what we want to do, whether sports, committees, electronics, games, or the Pierce Pounder. But will we make time for what is essential to do, like family and faith?
 
In a season where everything is screaming for our focus, we need to remember what is essential. Jesus died that we might have a relationship with Him. He does not just want a relationship with us at church, though that is a great place to start. He wants a daily relationship where we spend time with Him.
 
As we pursue our relationship with Him, He gives us the strength to love our family well. He gives wisdom for work and friendships. He guides in leisure and responsibilities. He provides for our other priorities if we make Him our first priority.
 
If we do not prioritize Him, our life will continually be unbalanced, like a stomach stuffed full of ice cream sundaes.