Our lives are so full of long technical words that we often edit and simplify them using acronyms. Psychologists use acronyms to try and help people, but somehow, I'm rarely comforted. For example some folks have suspected me of being A.D.D. These are usually linear people who I could cite for their OCD tendencies. They don't get the fact that I'm am omnivore; I have a range of interests and projects. I pack a lot into life, sometimes too much. Like the psychologist, I need help with my editing efforts.

In America we have the problem of too much. Too much information, too much noise, too many activities. We need help editing it down. The incessant flow of data starts to seem normal when really it results in a syndrome that Alvin Toffler diagnosed 39 years ago called Future Shock. I guess the acronym would be F.S.S. - Future Shock Syndrome.

It's all counterproductive to finding that space where we connect with our Creator. The very pace of life keeps us from enjoying the stories that we're living. Something eventually has to give and it may be us.

That's why I suggest we solicit help in editing our lives. I suggest you invite a mentor or a friend to look at your commitments and priorities and help you identify the stuff that needs to go.

For example, one reason I'm able to stay productive is that our family has never gotten cable TV and our local reception is so bad, we just don't watch it (though now there is Youtube).

I like to golf but in the last 20 years, I've decided to edit that out in order to spend more time with my family. Sometimes I'll spend too much time on the computer and thankfully my wife calls me on my bad behavior.

As I mentor young people, one question I'd like to hear more often is, "Would you help me edit my life?" We all need the help.