Friends, it’s hard these days to stay focused. Isn’t it? I mean, I remember when I used to be able to read a book in one sitting, cover to cover in one “vacation style” day. Now, it’s like I have the attention span of a butterfly! It might be in part due to the fact that I care for four little ones under the age of six who are ruling my waking moments (bathroom trips and all…). But, I think there’s something more to it than that.
We’re driven by so many things today. Schedules, appointments, social media ‘check- ins’ on what is happening with our friends, social media updates on what is happening with us, dreams and plans for our future, dreams and plans for five minutes from now….life is just full.
Part of the reason I wanted to start writing in a public forum was to give me a constructive focus in the midst of the all-consuming ‘rat race’. I find that when I write, I have some semblance of rest in those moments of pondering. I stop cleaning the kitchen, throw a load of laundry on wrinkle free setting, and sit down for a few minutes. My kids get to playing with some activities in our open kitchen/living room area, and I start typing. Focusing. Honing in on the big picture blessings in front of me that I all too often miss when I’m checking things off my to-do list. As I start to look around at those blessings, my children, life as we know it in our home, I am in awe of what treasure we have in Christ. Remembering that I am to be fully satisfied in Him. I can tell you fervently that from the moment I wake up to the moment my head hits the pillow at night, I am full of weakness. I love my children and my husband more than I could ever express, and yet I still struggle to treat them as I should. I am far too often a less patient, more stressed out version of myself, even with a whole day’s worth of “me time” or a very hearty cup of coffee.
But. The really wonderful, truly awe inspiring truth is that this little life we’re living, full of failures though it be, has the opportunity to testify to something greater. Because of our hope in One who has already gained victory over sin, our little life has purpose. In light of the glorious, lavish truths of the gospel and God’s promises to us, everything is clear. I am telling you, friends: there is nothing more joy-filled to pen than the riches of that grace. It focuses my heart and my soul. No matter how many spills hit my floor or how many times I find myself distracted by small, insignificant details, the greatness of His mercy will always bring me the deepest, most beautiful rest.
The grace we find in the gospel is all any of us need to journey through this life. I pray that when I speak about our story, our life, and our circumstances, Christ would be elevated above all else. I hope that as you read this post and some I’ve uploaded from years past, you will find these truths to resonate in your own heart, similarly to the way they do in mine as I write. Focus for what truly matters; The big truths for our little life.
“The sun of God’s glory was made to shine at the center of the solar system of our soul. And when it does, all the planets of our life are held in their proper orbit.” ― John Piper, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ