One of my favorite childhood memories of my daddy was when he would spin me around in the back yard. He’d wrap his arms around me and start whirling around. I’d squeal. Hard to believe I can still remember that!
I think the most fun was when Daddy set me back down. With my head still spinning, I couldn’t walk straight or anything near to straight. I remember the same situation with my dear boy. And he’d get really goofy wobbling around until he finally landed in a helpless heap.
Just to clarify: that’s NOT walking with control. On the contrary, the helpless heap, though funny when a pre-schooler does it, is the likely end to a follower of Christ who isn’t in control.
Think about it. Everything our Lord did had a distinct goal. Nothing surprised Him. Nothing was random. Every behavior and word completely intentional with a big picture in mind. His purpose to show us the character and love of the Father was clearly displayed in His teaching and His actions.
I wish I could be so focused, have such a honed target. But I’m all over the place. Every hat I wear demands a different skill set, time section, creativity, sometimes even its own attitude. Add to that the insecurities, worries, indecisiveness, apathy that flow in an out of my life like tides and it’s no wonder I have trouble following a straight line. No excuses. My lack of control is my weakness.
Clearly, the Lord wants me to be in control. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. I love the verse above, the one that my main character in Grime Beat has hit her upside the head. “A mallet couldn’t have made a bigger impact!
A sound mind is uncluttered, intentional. My focus on spiritual things should overcast all the activities and chores—my hats—just like a cloudy day. I’m still working on this. No where near accomplished, though once in a while I catch a glimpse of the woman God wants me to be. When something unexpected reveals His Spirit within me. “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12
Your Turn: Do you have the same struggle that I do with
2015/May at 9:43 pm
I work hard at keeping my house neat; I feel the clutter is a reflection of the inside of my head. Spent some time chatting with someone about this very subject, and how important prioritizing is to keeping one’s focus. Good luck. I need some too.
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2015/May at 10:21 pm
I’ve never thought of clutter that way. That’s insightful.
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2015/May at 1:06 pm
A friend gave me the term “visual peace.” I get a little nuts when mine is messed with. 😉
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2015/May at 1:01 pm
Focus, for me, is a constant–uh–focus. 🙂
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2015/May at 2:28 pm
LOL! Me, too. Especially this week. I don’t know what it is, but I’m not concentrating well at all. Maybe too many extraneous details? (But I’m working on the blog post for you right now. Should be able to send it along in a bit!) 🙂
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