When our girls were still here at home, I regret we did not have a formal sit-down breakfast. It felt like a rushed game of musical chairs, each of us eating with one hand in a hurry. Now that Bobby and I are both retired, we have a seated breakfast together every morning. I appreciate beginning our day calmly.

Growing up my brother and I always caught the school bus up at Granny and Paw’s house because Momma had to be at work by 6am. We hated having to get up so early every morning, but we were blessed with being served a wonderful hot cooked breakfast before school. No cereal or pop tarts for breakfast. I am talking about eggs, grits, bacon, ham or sausage, biscuits and some mornings red eyed gravy.
Now that Bobby and I are senior citizens, our cholesterol and high blood pressure influence our dietary choices. Bobby prepares a light breakfast for us, which typically includes either toast and oatmeal or grits and scrambled eggs. What I want to eat and what is healthy for me to eat are seldom the same. I personally don’t crave sweets, but I love me some biscuits and gravy or a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.
Our grandchildren love anything full of sugar. Pop Tarts, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, honey buns and pastries. It hypes them up and before you know it, they are running a round wild like bucks. You must call their name, hold their face in your hands and look them straight in the eyes sometimes just to get their attention! Spiritually, I often find myself easily distracted by superficial things that draw me away from God. I call it my “Pop Tart Things.”
What are Pop Tart things? Well, my definition is anything that appeals to my flesh. It isn’t considered a “biblical commandment’ breaker but, it distracts me and draws me away from God. Many people do not consider these things to be problematic, but they can be distractions that keep me from staying focused on my goals and purpose.

1. Overcommitting by saying yes too often, spreading myself too thin, and not prioritizing my time with God and family.
2. Self-Comforting through food or alcohol.
3. Social Media: Brief periods of scrolling often extend to several hours each day.
4. Over spending: Need I say more. Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean I should buy it!

Everyone has their own personal list of “Pop Tart Things” in their lives. Occasionally, it is acceptable to have a Pop Tart for breakfast or a snack, but it is important to ensure that it does not become a regular part of our diet or daily habits. It is essential to maintain a balanced approach. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Nothing on this earth will ever fill us or satisfy any longing we have like Jesus can. He and He alone is able to fill us with everything we need. As He told the woman at the well in John 4:14 “but, who ever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
The next time you desire to fill a need with a “Pop Tart Thing” go to the one who can give living water my friend. I am praying for you. Please pray for me