Getting Into Focus

Earlier this year when I noticed that I couldn’t read words on the television very well, and driving at night began to feel a bit treacherous, I got glasses for the first time in my life. I can still see when I’m not wearing them, but when I utilize the corrective lenses, I see much better. Everything is crisp and in focus.

I’m trying to get my weekly priorities in focus, too. I think that they also have blurred a bit gradually over the months. I sleep in slightly instead of waking up so that I can have some time in prayer and Bible reading before my day begins. I allow myself to be distracted by the computer or incoming phone calls and I don’t get to all of my chores around the house. I’ve been trying to evaluate my time and assess how I really need to be spending it.

Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

Luke 12:27-30

As a mom, is it not part of our responsibility to worry about what our families will eat or drink? And what clothes they will wear? Certainly, yes, it is one of the tasks with which we should be concerned. But the phrases used in the cautionary warnings are not to “set our hearts” on it, “do not worry about it,” do not “run after such things.” We can become very focused on wearing the right clothes, or preparing a meal that will cause company to ooh and aah at our talents or our extravagance. God will provide for our needs. We aren’t always sure how he’s going to do it, and he may not always do it in the way that we think he should, but he knows that we need them, and if we focus on our needs as opposed to our wants, perhaps we will not labor and spin as much.

I often have days where I feel like I’ve done a lot of spinning. I felt busy all day, but what did I accomplish? On the other hand, I’ve also had days that seemed more effortless. Perhaps I did get some chores done, but also had time to enjoy a chat with a friend. I played with my children, but also had time to sit and read a book for myself.

Verse 31 of the chapter ends with the how: “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

I do not preach the “prosperity gospel.” I do not believe that God financially blesses all of those who trust him. However, peace is a blessing far greater than riches. To be content with exactly what God has given me at the moment–hardship or riches, happy times or uncertain ones–allows me to live a life in which I find peace in the moment. I just have to remember to be sure I’m wearing those God-glasses so that the right things are in focus and the wrong things fade into the background.

How has your relationship with God reshaped your priorities?