Where's My Focus?
/
“The things you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what God wants. Then all these other things you need will be given to you.” Matthew 6:33
The paperwork to complete lays on the desk in front of me. The marketing plan for my books needs to be reviewed and implemented. I have cards and letters to write. I opened my totes filled with papers and memorabilia that I need to sort and organize. I have pictures on my phone I want to download and create photo books. Then I look outside and see the beautiful blue sky but also the pile of wood chips that need to be spread and the stone that needs to be carried to the back steps. You get the picture because each of you have items on your “To Do List” either written or in your head. They all vie for your attention. All of them are good use of your time and energy. They are practical and necessary.
I look outside again and see the gift of God’s creation and the wind blowing through the tall trees. My desire is to just enjoy the beauty around me, explore the country, and relax in whatever God puts in front of me. But my own expectations and need to be productive tends to complicate these thoughts and adventures. I am torn between the practical responsibilities placed on by the world and my own understanding of life, and my desire to just enjoy life as God intended. These should not be different. So, I begin to ask myself, “Who am I trying to please?” What is my focus?
In my counseling conversations, I find the majority of people focus on the expectations of others. They are trying to be people pleasers or even society pleasers. Trying to live into the expectations of others and what is acceptable to society. For example, when you build a new house, the expectation is that you will plant grass and therefore, mow the lawn and create flower beds and spend hours in your yard. NO thank you! Why do we allow other people and society to dictate our lives? When we do, it literally sucks the joy out of our lives. We live in fear of not measuring up, not receiving approval from others, which creates high anxiety, worry and stress.
Is this really who you want to be and how you want to live your life? What do you really want life to be and who do you want to be in this different life? The hardest part of change and loss is knowing who you are now. What is your priority now in life? As I walk into this next chapter of my life, my heart’s desire is to do what God wants even though the world around me keeps clamoring for my allegiance.
I am changing my focus. Yes, the paperwork needs to be completed, and my desire is to market my books, but today I want to take an adventure and just enjoy what is in front of me. Today I want to listen to God and reach out to a family member. Today I want to visit a friend and share the love of Jesus with her. Today, I want to enjoy the sunshine, the blue sky and breathe in God’s Spirit that is all around me. Today, I want to smile within me when I see the hawk or the cardinal and know my loved one is still with me. Today, I want to live and not just exist in the mundane tasks society says are more important than God. Remember, God is always with you, and you can still do the tasks but why not focus on God with you in the task? When you release the people pleasing which takes away your joy, you find the joy of the Lord deep within you. Joy is from Jesus which is an inner contentment and peace that what is most important is enjoying the life we have in front of us.
Life will have storms and destruction just like the recent hurricane. We cannot explain the why and the devastation and loss. Nothing makes sense nor takes away the reality. But I know God is still God. God is still with you and me. Jesus feels the pain and hurt and loss we feel. It is choosing to focus even in all the destruction, God, you are with me. Nothing takes away God’s gift of peace and joy. We are the ones who let go of it and allow others to crush it. Joy and peace have nothing to do with our circumstances. It is about our focus. When we keep our eyes on Jesus and not the expectations and views of others and the world, we begin to live, really live.
Enjoy today and what God places in front of you. Relax in God’s presence and be fully present with God.
So where is your focus today?
********************
You will find all my past blogs on my website – www.livinginthedifferent.com
My Books on Amazon
Live Different Moments
Living In The Different
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Different-passages-through-sorrow/dp/0998310239/
Life Lessons of a Lone Trooper
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Lone-Trooper-Legacy/dp/0998310255/
