“And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’” — Mark 1:38 (ESV)

I was setting my priorities for the new year when my mentor gently told me that I’m often easily distracted by “bright, shiny, new opportunities.” Is he saying I’m like a cat chasing a laser light? I thought.

He encouraged that if an opportunity came up that didn’t fulfill my priorities, I needed to say no. Period. But I’m one of those people who dives into every exciting idea. If it’s a good thing, why not?

Honestly, it can be exhausting. Thankfully, Jesus shows us a better way.