36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your

mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your

neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two

commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40, NLT).

You’re life isn’t a stagnate row of ones and zeros. Nor is it the nine to five or the pension or the

property you recently liquidated to remain solvent. Your life isn’t a list of commodities, brand names,

celebrity tag lines or interesting quirks. Your life is much, much greater.

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Jesus was often challenged by those who were on the outside looking in. They thought they were in the know, but little did they know they were really on the out. We call these people experts. They sound as if they know a lot, yet their lives reveal very little. One such expert tried to catch Jesus in a trap. None of the other experts were able to do so (Pharisees & Sadducees alike), so he gave it the old college try and asked about law. Easiest way to trip someone up is through the nuanced writings of law and order.

Now, before we get to Jesus’ response, I need you to look at this:

I didn’t draw this. Someone else did and they put it on the internet and then I looked it up, downloaded it, put it in a document and then shared it with Wes (thanks Wes) who then uploaded to our cool blog send us your way better and most awesome prose, poetry, paintings, photos, etc at

fcogtulare@gmail.com). It’s the hero’s journey and your on it! I don’t know where you’re at but I do

know that this is a good descriptor of your main, God given quest. And like all good quests you have to venture out on side quests to gain xp, loot, magical items, and friends. For example, before you hit the SUPREME ORDEAL hard you’re gonna go through some testing and trials. Often the word used in the New Testament for testing is temptation, so you can definitely look at it that way. During these side quests, leading up to the SUPREME ORDEAL, you’ll be given an opportunity to overcome, grow and become the person God has in mind.

Alright, back to the expert who tried to trap Jesus. He wanted our Lord to give a foolish answer. Jesus’main quest was not to answer the experts. He wants to save them. So Jesus took the side quest and answered perfectly. He married love and honor into a synergistic responsibility of the soul towards both God and people. It’s perfect. It answers everything and leaves much to the imagination. It also describes exactly why Jesus would face and overcome the SUPREME ORDEAL.

Reason Number One: Side quests reveal the why.

When you’re in the middle of the quest, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details and forget why your doing exactly what you’re doing. The side quest can act like a high point and give you opportunity to survey your area in a less minuet way. It’s ventured fun! This helps you to remember the why and guards against getting lost in the how by getting rid of a bit of stress and anxiety. When you’re clear and at peace write out your why and place it somewhere noticeable.

Reason Number Two: Side quests give the what.

What am I supposed to do next? I’ve often heard this question in counseling sessions and it’s not

always apparent what the answer is when the main quest is overwhelming. The side quest can help

bring levity and freedom to the individual who is weighed down or just plain stuck. In a sense,

remembering too often is the issue and a good side quest is in order. Take to the beach or the woods or learn a new skill or make a new friend. Side quest! Once completed the what’s next becomes clearer and even attainable. Write out your what next to your why.

Reason Number Three: Side quests affirm the who.

This is the biggest reason out of the three. All quests must be directed by someone for someone. You’ll never see my alarm clock venturing into Lindsey, CA for a side quest. But you might see me there (or you for that matter). When Jesus responded to the expert, He talked about love and specifically about love towards God and towards others. Side quests always affirm the who, and that’s you and me and others and always God. The main quest can wear you away, so side quest! It’ll refresh and affirm. Write out the who next to the what and the why.

We all face SUPREME ORDEALS but with the help of God, for He is our strength, the protection of

God, because He is our shield, and the delight of God, He is our joy, we can work our way through the main quest by side questing our way through the summer. Go for it and side quest!

Before AI shows up and takes my job, remember, you’re more than ones and ze-10100010100010100