Fō∙cŭs

There was a single blue line of crayon drawn across every wall in the house. "What does it mean?" I said. "A pirate needs the sight of the sea," he said & then he pulled his eye patch down & turned and sailed away.

~StoryPeople®

I was listening to music earlier today while my students were working on an assignment. An instrumental version of "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" came on and made me think about the word survey. Survey means to examine, view or consider comprehensively. I then jumped to the word focus because it seems to me if I am going to examine or view something I need to make sure it is in focus. Merriam-Webster says focus is:

-directed attention

-a state or condition permitting clear perception

-the area that may be seen distinctly

My whole life is about growth. Physical growth, mental growth, spiritual growth, emotional growth. Some of it happens without any conscious effort but the real gains are made when I am attuned to what is taking place around me, when I am focused on the important parts. The peripheral things do not always matter. I have opportunities to learn this every day. When I drive to work in the fog and every person in Seattle acts like it is the first time they have encountered a misty morning, upon what do I focus? I could direct my attention to their idiocy. I'm sure that would encourage "expressive outrage" growth. It might, however, be better to use the time of quiet in my car to pray. After all, I am about to spend 8+ hours with a captive audience. My students are coming to class ready to be fed. Why not talk to my Father about them, about my day, about the people I will encounter? Why not ask Him to help me see my life, my world with His eyes?

There are other, bigger, things that have become unfocused for me. It's because I'm looking at the wrong parts or, at least, focusing on the wrong parts. Maybe all of the picture is necessary but some of it can be the background, providing a setting...a richness...a depth; required for proper viewing but not the part intended for "directed attention." I have allowed my gaze to wander to the periphery, trying to understand the fringe, while the main point has escaped my notice.

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us: We must focus on Jesus. He is the source and goal of our faith.

When I am confused, when nothing makes sense, when I don't know where to look or what I am supposed to do with the picture in front of me...I know this.

Focus on Jesus.

These are not just pretty words that sound nice in a rambling blog. They are words to be branded on my heart. I am a Christ-follower. I need Him always in my sight if I want to sail.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Look full in His wonderful face

and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

in the light of His glory and grace.