You don't have to be 17 again to start over

I watched the movie "17 Again" and couldn't help getting sentimental. It is based on an old premise but it was a good reminder of what is most precious in life. The lead character is in his thirties and disappointed with how things turned out. as a result he blames everything on everyone else including his wife and kids.

A strange twist of fate allows him a second chance and he is 17 again. Very quickly he learns that it is the people in his life that are the most important things to love and cherish. He gets a second chance to make a difference in his kids lives and in the end he gets to make it up to his wife.

It struck me that too many of us get so caught up in our careers and making a living that we lose our lives. I think that is what Jesus was talking about when he asked, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his life?" He was talking about putting first things first.

St. Augustine's fervent prayer was that God would help him order the loves (priorities) in his life. That way, with God first, everything else would fall into place. That should be our prayer as well. Jesus was right. When we put God first everything else seems to turn out alright.

The good news is that we don't need to be 17 again or to start over again to make that happen. All we need to do is ask God for a fresh start and we can begin right now. Before you know it the blessings will start to flow.

Cal.