Narrowing My Focus

When my kids were young and watching TV, they lost themselves in what they were watching - tunnel vision. If I needed to get their attention, I would call them by name and say, "Look at me in my eyes." Otherwise, my chances were slim of their hearing more than every fourth word or so.

Lately I've been bothered by the opposite condition. We retired and moved to South Carolina the first of April 2009. We have since traveled, been to the pool, ridden in the golf cart, lazed, eaten fried food, ridden bikes and walked the dogs. I have studied my Bible. I have prayed and I have attended church.

What I have not done is write my family and friends back home. I have not started a new writing project. What I have not done is successfully focus my attention on what God has planned for me next.

I believe He means for me to rest for a while. But over the last few weeks, I have become increasingly aware of the responsibility of this time, in huge chunks, that has been made available to me. I know God has plans for me, works that He has prepared for me to carry out. But I also realize that accomplishing all the things I am carrying in my mind is impossible for me, for now at least. How can I complete a project when I continue to look in so many directions?

Don't you just love it when God taps you on the shoulder and says, "here's your answer!" I am taking a Bible study with a group of new friends, "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. I was sitting in our discussion group on Friday and God whispered to my spirit, "Get your pen and write down everything that you know is in my will for you to be doing right now. Then make another column and write down what I want you to do later."

I wrote the lists and there was my answer! He's given me more than enough to do for right now. My time, His will for me, is full. So I have shelved the other projects and I once again have tunnel vision for those things that I am supposed to be doing today. As I thanked Him for clarifying my purpose, He added, "But you didn't list the blog. It's time to do the blog."

So here we are! I hope you will join me as I begin this new phase of my life. I miss you all in northern Virginia and you will be hearing from me soon. (That was on the list!)

Romans 12:2.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.