You may have seen the billboards and wondered about the website mentioned on them: iamsecond.com. It’s a pretty amazing website once you peruse it and listen to some of the stories. iamsecond.com is built on the premise that God is first in your life and you are second. Kind of difficult for the average American to swallow, perhaps. Sometimes it is for me as well. Most of us just aren’t wired that way; to think of putting someone ahead of ourselves.

In my own life, it’s more natural to put my kids or myself first. But I’ll also admit that I become weary of the I... I... I... me... me... me culture we’ve become in not just the U.S., but in the whole world in general. It seems that if we’re all clawing to get our needs met, all that it leads to is selfishness and an unending need for more. Of never being really satisfied or truly at peace. It builds a world of competition and looking out for number 1: me.

I’m finding that more and more often I am never satiated and it feeds my depressive instincts ~ not a great thing ~ or even good, much less a healthy place to go.

So, I am making strides to recognize and “act as if” God is first in my life. Oh my, but I am inconsistent! No, my life is not totally in congruence all the time. I do find however, that the times I honestly do put God first and lean on Him for strength and insight, I am more happy and at peace. So, I begin each day with intentions of making Him first. Seeking His truths and accepting His will for my life. The result is not always what I have in mind, nor is the timing always what I feel I needs it to be. But when I do “relax” into God in faith, His grace is sufficient for me.

So for now I’m putting my best effort into placing God in charge of my life and praying that He will show me the truth ~ good, bad, or ugly. It’s not an easy move. It’s a “one day at a time” practice that with time I believe will yield me a happier, more balanced life. It’s not nearly a totally successful practice at this moment in time. However, I know that putting God first is the best thing I can do. The biggest bang for the buck, if you will. I know deep down inside me, my spirit is lighter and freer if:

I am second.

So be it ~
Amen.

The following link leads to my Pastor’s story as found on iamsecond.com.

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