Back in the USA

We crossed over into the US today and it was pretty uneventful. It took a while because of the long line, but overall it was great.

Before we crossed, we spent a couple of hours at a market just a few blocks from the border and got gifts and little things to bring home. It was there that we enjoyed some of the greatest food most of us have ever had. Naturally, my wife's cooking is way, way better; nevertheless, the unique opportunity to eat authentic Mexican food was riveting.

Now we are at the hotel in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and we're all getting ready for dinner together at Golden Corral. The guys are all planning a steak-eating contest. We are spoiled brats.

What I found most profound about today is that as soon as we crossed that line, the cares of our lives, and the concerns that we walk around with every day, seemed to return to all of us like a crashing wave. I know I myself immediately rushed back to all the thoughts, questions, concerns, lists, duties, responsibilities, etc., that I carry every day. My old life was back. My life is not bad; I'm not implying that. What I am saying is that I think it is that life that blinds me to some of the most important things in this world. If I don't make it my task to keep the main thing the main thing every day, the cares of the world, like thorns, will choke the life out of me.

The words of the author of Hebrews ring in my ears: "Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and its shame."

I want to keep my eyes on who Jesus is and what it means for me to follow Him.