Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Psalm 107:1-16 (NRSV)

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
those he redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.

Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to an inhabited town;
hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress;
he led them by a straight way,
until they reached an inhabited town.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
For he satisfies the thirsty,
and the hungry he fills with good things.

Some sat in darkness and in gloom,
prisoners in misery and in irons,
for they had rebelled against the words of God,
and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor;
they fell down, with no one to help.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress;
he brought them out of darkness and gloom,
and broke their bonds asunder.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to humankind.
For he shatters the doors of bronze,
and cuts in two the bars of iron.

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Reflect

We all have things that we’re proud of in our life. Often those include career accomplishments, our children, and, for some, even the type of car they drive and the labels on their clothes.

Of course, we have regrets, too. Often they run along the same lines: career failures, disappointment in our children’s life choices, and even the fact that we do not own certain brand name products in our attempt to “keep up with the Joneses.”

I work in an assisted living community. Part of my job is to new residents and interview them about their past life and their current daily routine, as well as their likes and dislikes. Some of the questions get very personal, which is when I learn the most about the resident. The questions range from “tell me what you are proudest of in your life,” to “what regret do you have with regards to your family?”

To a person, these residents have learned that what is important is one’s relationship with God, family members and friends, and how they treat one another. Those who do not have good relationships with God, their family, or friends are definitely not as happy as those who have close spiritual and family ties.

The lesson is simple: focus on people, not things. Furthermore, put God at the top of the list and the rest will fall into place.

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Pray

God of all people and all things, help us focus our minds on what is truly important. Keep us mindful of your love and help us to reflect that love when we are with others. Amen.

Go with God.