Blurred Vision

You know, I've never expected life to be easy. I guess I just hope that at some point it will lighten up a little. I remind myself that my problems are so minor in the big picture of life. I remind myself of the tremendous blessings which have surrounded me throughout my life. But it seems like there's always one fire burning at any given time. OK, I expect that. But what frustrates me is when fires flare up in places where you think they really shouldn't.

Now that I've pigged out on a heaping bowl of Whiney Flakes, it's time to get fortified with some Vita-Truth. When I was thinking about all of this, a passage of scripture came to my mind, so I went back to read it. After reading it, I felt better. God's word is good that way. It serves to calibrate every aspect of who I am. There are a lot of moving parts in there, so calibration is key. I read the passage, then took it a step further by reading it as written in The Message. I want to share it with you now. This is Eugene Peterson's interpretation of Philippians 3:14-16.

^12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
 ^15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. 

 Wow. Blurred vision. That really spoke to me. In a few weeks, I'll recognize yet another birthday. This past year has introduced me to the not-so-wonderful experience of having to hold reading material further and further from my age-defected eyes. I noticed while in church one day that I was fine reading and taking notes, but as soon as I looked up to see the pastor on stage, it would take my eyes 5-10 seconds to focus. Sometimes, this same phenomenon happens in my life. I find myself focusing on the details of my day, and when I do finally look up to take a look at God, it takes me time to get Him into focus. 


This passage simplifies things quite nicely. Stay focused on the goal. If I don't get distracted with the inevitable obstacles, I'll be fine. If I keep my eyes on Jesus and all that He has for me, and and not the nattering nabobs of negativism, my sight will be clear and singular. 


It's Monday morning. All the events of the coming week lie ahead of us. Let's strive to keep our eyes focused on The Goal. Now that we're on the right track, "let's stay on it!"