Time to "focus" in on this past week's
activities...since I claimed my
It seems like whenever
we claim a new word, that particular word takes on a life of its own...and it
gets our attention in so many ways. "Focus"
is definitely getting my attention. But, isn't that what the word "focus" means in the first place? http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focus says
"
1fo·cus
noun \ˈfō-kəs\: a subject that is being discussed or studied : the subject on which people's
attention is focused
: a main purpose or
interest
: a point at which rays of light, heat, or sound
meet or from which they move apart or appear to move apart; especially : the point at which an image is formed by
a mirror, a lens, etc. "
Well, this week the focus has been on things needing repair...or, I
should say, "expensive things" needing repair.
- My car developed a rock and roll and rattle which necessitated
some focused attention, i.e. REPAIRS.
- Our home insurance cancelled our policy because they
didn't have enough business in this area, necessitating our finding a new
policy.
- The NEW policy required a house inspection.
- The house inspector refused to sign the certificate
unless we replace our ROOF.
Yikes!
There were a few other
more minor things, but they all added up to getting our attention right where
it hurts the most...our pocketbook! Not a great way to start the New
Year!
But, after focusing our attention on these issues we have evaluated
the bigger picture, and have come to some new realizations (with the wise
counsel and help of some good friends):
- The car repairs are not as serious as first feared, and
we found a trustworthy and reliable Christian mechanic who also happens to
be extremely fair.
- If the home insurance company had not cancelled our
policy, necessitating our having an inspection of our roof, we would not
have known that our roof was in such bad condition until possibly a leak
developed and/or serious damage was done to our home.
- And, actually it isn't the whole roof, but one section of our roof due to the
configuration of the way our house is built, so it will not be as
expensive as if it were the whole roof. And God has shown us a way to pay
for it reasonably...in time...but reasonably.
- And, the other more minor things are just that, minor
things that can be fixed and are not the end of the world if they are not fixed right away.
I also have learned that
spending time each day in God's Word helps me to focus my mind and heart on the things that are
most important, and to prioritize the issues that come into my life so that I
can tackle that which is most necessary first, and take care of the others as
needed.
Here are a few verses
that come to "light" right now:
- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and
a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
- "You (God) are my hiding place and
my shield; I hope in Your word." Psalm 119:114
- "Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
and I shall observe (focus my attention on)
Your statutes continually." Psalm 119:117
- "The entrance of Your words gives
light; It gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130
- "In my distress I cried to the Lord,
and He heard me." Psalm 120:1
- "I will lift up my eyes to the
hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made
heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2.
What have I learned this
week?
- "Blessed is every one who fears the
Lord, who walks in His ways." Psalm 128:1
- "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 136:1
That sums it up pretty
well...but to put it in common language...I have learned to focus my attention on God instead of my circumstances...and to always look
for the hidden blessing in the midst of the trials of life. And I have
learned to give thanks to the Lord, for He IS good! His mercy DOES endure
forever! And I've also learned to give thanks for the people God brings into
our lives to help us when we need it most. I pray that God will bless them for
their kindness in ways that we cannot.
So, what kinds of things
have you focused upon this week?
