A Matter Of Focus
We are at the beginning of November with the holiday season upon us. The weather is finally starting to cool a little, football season and Fall Festivals are underway, and mid-term elections will take place next week. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like our already full calendars continue to add more and more activities to them, the to-do lists grow, and the days are racing by at some hypersonic speed leaving many of us exhausted and overwhelmed.
Especially for those of us who tend to follow an “I need to be in control” approach to dealing with all this busyness, I sometimes feel like I’m pedaling as fast as I can and yet going nowhere or even backward. I recognize I am furiously working on many things but am I accomplishing anything truly important or worthwhile in the “big picture”? I can quickly identify with Martha when our Lord says to her in Luke 10:41-42, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” In short, do I easily get lost in all the busyness and distractions, or do I seek and try to focus on the main thing? And what is that “main thing”?
I feel like many of Alan McBride’s recent messages are speaking directly to me in that he is reminding us of the true and important mission of the church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Furthermore, Pastor Alan’s message last Sunday asked if our efforts and actions reflect the fruit of the Spirit (as shared in Galatians 5:22-23 – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control …). Do others see His Holy Spirit working in and through me? Or do they see me looking out for me and handling these busy and challenging times “my selfish way”?
Some of you may recall an earlier blog where I joked about being caught smiling again on the platform when the praise band is leading worship. I shared I find joy when I join the band and our church family in praising our mighty God. I am finding out that I must continually focus on seeking the Lord first and foremost and ask His Holy Spirit to guide me if I truly want to have the peace, kindness and other “fruits” I seek as I navigate these crazy busy days with all its static and distractions.
Yes, things can seem overwhelming at times. But when I seek to put the Lord first on my to-do list and remind myself that with His guidance, I can do all things through Christ because HE gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Important things then take on a sharper focus, and I can trust Him to show me the way.
When the family moved to Ft. Walton Beach many years ago – we started attending the little base chapel on Hurlburt. One of my favorite chaplains at that time would always close the service with the following benediction:
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the years: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go, go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be for you better than a light and safer than a known way.”
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine on you and be gracious unto you; May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Today, tomorrow, and all of your days.
Amen