Chronicles

This was written, back in early summer of 2005, right after Stacy and
I found out we were going to be welcoming Megan into the world. I had
lost my job and was working at getting my appraiser's license. They
were some tough times, but with God's guidance and help, we came through.


Focus


Wow, life has been a whirlwind for the last few weeks for my family!
Lots of ups and downs. In case not everyone knows, Stacy and I are
expecting our third child (March 5th, due date) and we are absolutely
thankful to the Lord for this blessing. God has also taken care of us
by providing for our needs when things were looking a little shaky.
Yes, I do worry, but that is my fault. God has shown himself
gloriously and let me know that everything is going to be OK. Anyways,
back to the subject at hand. About 6 weeks ago, a friend of mine got
me hooked on something that I never would have thought would be SO
addictive. Kayaking. I have learned a lot about myself during those 6
weeks. One of those things is to not lose focus on what is in front of
you. While paddling down the river, you always need to be aware of
what is directly in front of you. Not what is behind, or to the side.
Focus on the front. If your mind wanders even for just a minute, or
take time to pat yourself on the back for making it through a rapid,
the river will let you know it is still there and you will find
yourself swimming, at the mercy of the current. So, today I decided to
check out what the Bible says about the word "focus" and came out with
a very familiar passage. It come from Phillippians. It says:


Phillippians 3:12-14

12 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or
that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that
day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and
wants me to be. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I
should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I
strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which
God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.



You see, kayaking is a lot like our life and the life God intends for
us to live. Don't get wrapped up in what is in the past. Focus on what
is ahead and the prize that God has for you, by finishing the task at
hand. You will be blessed just by doing what God calls you to do.
Sometimes that race is tough, like a marathon. Pace yourself and
endure. Or, the race my be short and fast, like a sprint. Focus and
achieve. Life is a race we all run. How will you finish?



"See your struggle as God's canvas. On it He will paint his multi-colored supremacy." - Max Lucado Facing Your Giants


END OF LINE


JR