Focus, Distraction & the Impossible

I’ve got a number of things on my plate. I’m sure you can relate. Work, projects, family schedules all can easily drive me to distraction. And to be honest, they do more often than I’d like to admit.

Right now, my head is abuzz with tasks from this morning. Focusing requires turning away from distraction.

If we’re to see the truly important in each day and that which we’re called to do, it’s crucial to keep our eyes fixed.

Peter walked on water. But the moment he shifted his focus from Jesus to the gusting wind swirling around him, he began to sink.

“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.” Matthew 14:28-31

What “impossible” things might we do, if we keep our focus on the Author and Perfecter of our faith?

I Cannot Do This Alone

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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