Focus on Him

I have seen so many messages this past year asking the question:

"What's one thing you've learned this year?"

And oh how wide a variety of answers I have seen. And oh how hard it can be to wrap it all up in one statement!

Some inspiring.

Some heartbreaking.

Some that have caused me to think so deeply.

And some that I struggle to even make sense of.

I can say for me, that answer has varied so much over this past year. Where I was just a year ago, is NOT where I am now. But ultimately, I keep praying, Lord, if this is where you need me, guide me and I will do everything I can to just trust you.

And Boy. Is that hard!

To just trust the plan.

But He placed us all here, with our "flock of people," for a purpose. And what a blessing that can be, if we just trust He has a plan for it all.

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Today's daily readings reiterated the message He has made ever so clear as I have journeyed from one side of a line to another, back and forth several times, trying to find my way, His way for me, and "my flock." A bold message that keeps my eyes focused in the right place for my journey. The end result of a compilation of ideas for what I have learned as I have ventured through this past 365 days.

No matter what, Keep your eyes focused on things above, and in the end, I, the Lord your God, will provide everything else you need to see your way through. It may not be the way you choose, but it's the way I have chosen for you.

This message is one I truly think we all should continue to keep in the fore front of how we approach our lives each day on this earth. One Jesus sought for us to understand deeply. One Paul taught about. And as we do so, as we keep our eyes focused on Him, we MUST remember, we all have a different journey. BUT!!! we all are still a part of THE STORY! HIS STORY. So we must always take into account: where I am, where you are, where our brothers, sisters, family, friends or those we don't even know may be, they have come to this place for a reason. One we may not fully understand, but have an opportunity to respect. Because this journey we all live, it has a HUGE purpose. And in the end, if our goal is to be with Him, in my heart, I feel it, that is all He asks of us to do. That's why we must seek Him for everything first. His purpose for our lives, each day on this earth, is for us to draw closer to Him. Stay focused on Him. And however we each do that...

May we do it with His endlessly grace, love and mercy in mind.

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Today I pray.

Dear Lord,

The journey of life is just that. A journey.

Help me keep my eyes focused on things above as I walk through this adventure each day. You continue to show me, your ways are not my ways. But your ways are righteously just and always loving. Oh Lord, I know I haven't always gotten it right, but within your endless mercy you have provided me your grace filled truth to see me through, time and time again. Today, I keep my eyes on things above, as you have directed me to do, and I hope to keep redirecting myself towards you as I get lost along the way.

Amen