The fellow was tired and weak all the time, drained of energy.  Finally he decided to pay a visit to his doctor. “Doctor,” he said, “I feel drained and exhausted.  I’m always tired.  I don’t seem to have any energy.  I have a chronic headache.  I feel worn out all the time.  What’s the best thing I can do?”

The doctor knew something about the man’s wild and fast-paced lifestyle.  “What’s the best thing you can do?  You can go home after work, eat a nutritious meal, get a good night’s rest, and stop running around and carousing all night -- that’s the best thing you can do.”

The man pondered that for a moment and then asked, “What’s the next best thing I can do?”

Too often we decide for the next best because we’re not willing to pay the price for the very best.  We’re not willing to give up habits that are taking their toll on our physical health.  We’re not willing to give up activities and relationships that are morally questionable.  We’re not willing to pay the price of spiritual discipline.  There’s no point in seeking a meaningful life if we are willing only to do the next-best thing in finding it.