By DANNY MINTON

In the movie “City Slickers,” Mitch, a city boy, has a conversation with Curly, a rough-looking cowboy. The conversation goes:

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is? 
Curly: [holds up one finger] This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that, and the rest don’t mean nothin’.
Mitch: But, what is the “one thing?”
Curly: [smiles] That’s what YOU have to find out.

It’s that “One Thing” that is so important for us as leaders to remember!

When we awaken each morning, we never know what the day will hold. It may end up being one of the most fantastic days of our lives; then, on the other hand, it may be full of troubles or sorrow. When we exit our home, what will the outside world hold in store?

Will someone be in a crisis that needs our help? 
Will there be a death or sickness?
Will there be someone who needs us to take them somewhere?
Will they need to talk?
Will the day be full of joy or one that leaves us feeling empty?

Maybe there will be a significant problem we have to face.
Maybe someone will do or say something that we don’t like.
Maybe we’ll get ourselves into a mess of some sort.

Satan may be overactive in his attacks on those around us.

We may be overwhelmed with things that weigh us down.

Something may happen that makes us mad or irritable. 

When we awaken into a day full of adverse situations, we get bogged down in worry and anxiety. On those days, we may feel like we want to throw up our hands and quit. When days seem cloudy and dreary with a myriad of troubles, we so often want to have some relief from it all in one way or another. 

It is then that we should remember the “one thing.” It’s that “one thing” that keeps us going. It’s that “one thing” that we can lean on that will help us through the day and into the next. It’s that “one thing” that lifts us and takes the burden off our back.

What is that “one thing”? It’s simple.

GOD IS IN CONTROL!

When we realize that “one thing,” we come to the knowledge that we don’t have to carry the load because God is carrying it for us. Then we can relax and move on. Our primary source of stress and anxiety comes when we keep trying to solve something without the help of the one who is there with us. 

He tells us, “let me worry about it” (1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”), “let me carry the burden” (Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”) and “let me lead the way” (2 Corinthians 2:14 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”)

Once we remember who our leader is, every day we awaken is a day full of blessings, whether bursting with joy or crammed full of troubles.

Never forget that “One Thing!”

Danny Minton is Pastoral Minister and Elder at Southern Hills Church of Christ