Priorities

Priorities.  It's a hard concept to master. And what determines mastery of this cornerstone in life? People have different priorities. Marriage taught me that! A single mom has a different set of priorities than a retired grandma. Who's right?
Priorities are ever changing. Things that were of significant importance to me 10 years ago don't even appear on my radar today. Priorities are also very volatile. A phone call, email, text can instantly change that day's priority list. Sometimes that news can change it for a lifetime.
We moved to California to "slow down" but it seems like there's always so much to do. How do I know I am getting the priority thing done right? I figure this subject gets even trickier when kids come along so I thought it'd be nice to take some time while waiting to see if I can get this straight. So, I turn to the book of Matthew for some advice and Jesus gives me a parable for my questions.
In Matthew chapter 25:14-30 Jesus tells a story of 3 men who are each given talents according to their ability. One guy gets five, one guy gets two, and another guy gets one. I am told that a talent is worth more than a thousand dollars. I usually put these 3 guys in order from the one that got the most to the one that got the least. Usually the story sounds to me like the two guys that had the most did the right thing and the guy with the least did nothing out of fear so he gets it all wrong. However, today I read it a bit differently. One guy got $2,000 and another guy got $1,000. They both got significantly less than the one with $5,000. So what's the difference? They were both entrusted this property by their master (v. 14). They had a choice. What will I do with the talents I've been given. Priorities are choices. What am I going to do with the talents I am given? Will I hide them away out of fear (v. 25- the $1,000 dude) or will I put my talent to work and gain more (v16- the $2,000 dude)?
Priorities don't have to be so tricky. I do not have to fear the day and all that is to be done. How do I know I am getting the priority thing done right? Am I making my talents work for me and my Master? That's the question. Then hopefully I will hear my Master reply:
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!" (v. 21)