I did it. For forty days I have been trying to focus on certain exercises to help me see things more clearly about purpose, reasons for things, and so on. One day I even did an e-fast. If no one else has copyrighted that term, I would like the credit. An e-fast is a specific period of time without using any electronic devices. I spent one whole day with no radio, no e-mail, no twitter, no TV, no MacBook. I had do everything the old fashioned way.

One thing I did over this period of time was to ask many different people to tell me “What is most important?” Responses were varied. Here’s a sample.

• Make a difference. Also give thanks for the simple things.
• Never go to bed at night being angry at your spouse.
• Today’s meal. I don’t know where it will come from yet.
• Tell people you love them, don’t assume they all know.
• Be spontaneous.
• Live a well balanced life. Not too much work, not too much play.
• Life is not wholly predestined. Listen for the Holy Spirit to direct your footsteps.
• Live one day at a time.
• Serve others. Don’t be so selfish with your time or with your stuff.
• My car.
• Is the right answer, “Love God and serve Him alone”?
• Build & rebuild relationships with God and with each other.
• Faith, Hope and Love; And the greatest of these is Love.
• I can tell you one thing today, ask me tomorrow and it might be different.
• Dealing with changes well, things will change. Keep a good perspective.
• Stay in touch with your family. Help all of your family members.
• Deal with important things, not always the urgent things.

There is much for me to do as I ponder these past 40 days. I was seeking clarity and direction. Now I have more things to think about.

I was also interested to see that others ask this same question in specific situations. For example: In an effort to understand how people prioritize healthcare benefits, the Center for Healthcare Decisions (CHCD) developed What Matters Most to address the important issues regarding health care. Their survey of 1,019 Californians identified life threatening issues as those which rose to the top.

But my 40 days was not just about what matters most. It was also about spending some focussed time in the Scriptures, in prayer, in meditation and in other areas of discipline as well. It is too early to give the full report of what a difference these 40 days will have on me, but one great thing that came out of it was that I was able to do one thing on the list that was the most important thing on my 83 year old dad’s list. I went to see him in Florida. We played several games of Scrabble. I really enjoyed the time with him.