Refocusing

W

hat do you do when you realize that you need to regroup and get back to foundational things that really matter?

Looking back, I think I began to lose focus when we traveled to Europe~ even great and fabulous events can be a distraction, can't they? Once I returned from our trip I had a hard time getting back into routine. The fact that it was summer and we weren't using our normal schedule also contributed to my lack of focus.

Enter a number of trying circumstances (you can see a short list here), and you have a fabulous recipe for mommy weariness and discouragement.

It's all a matter of focus.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Heb. 12:1-3

As I have trained for my upcoming triathlon, I have found myself relating in new ways to "running with endurance the race set before us." Clearly we are not to do this in our own strength, but by "fixing our eyes on Jesus."

So, practically speaking, how do I "fix my eyes on Jesus" throughout the day? For many years I have begun each day focused on the Lord by spending time reading my Bible and praying. Certainly this is a perfect foundation for my day. The problem arises when I arise and begin my daily responsibilities, at times almost immediately forgetting the truths I focused on only moments before.

Here's what I'm getting back to... the practices that, in the past, have helped me "fix my eyes on Jesus" throughout the day:

• writing a key verse from my morning Bible reading on a 3"x 5" card and carrying it around with me all day so I can re-read it and maintain the God-ward focus I so desperately need. (See more here.)
• adding to my "thankfulness journal" daily.... when I forget to give thanks, I forget to notice and rejoice in the myriad of everyday blessings I am engulfed in.
• photographing our life. Looking through the viewfinder of my camera encourages me to slow down and live more purposefully, and I also become more aware of the beauty surrounding me. The result? Joy and praise as I am re-reminded of my Father's care for me.

Choosing to rejoice and fix my eyes on Him in the midst of life's distractions (Oh! How He loves us!),