Focus and Balance

This week, three events have caused me to think about the importance of focus and balance in life.  Our grandson David is at the point of riding his bike where he can balance and start riding all by himself.  He no longer requires a parent or curb to help him get started.  In order to ride safely, David is also learning the importance of focusing on where he is going.

In preparation for the Winter Olympics, the athletes are practicing and competing in time trials.  Last week I briefly saw some of the ski races on television.  At times it seemed like the skiers were almost skiing sideways going down the slopes.  They had an amazing sense of keeping their balance and focusing on the position of the poles and finish line.  Any loss of concentration could have caused a fall.

One of the challenges of MS, for me, is taking precautions to keep my balance.  When I am walking with the aid of my walker, I need to focus and look forward.  I have learned that it is best when speaking to someone that I stop before turning to look at the person.  Otherwise, I run the risk of stumbling off balance.  Even more important than keeping my physical balance is to make sure that every day I am keeping my focus on Jesus and balancing my time and activities in ways that bring Him honor and glory.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

     fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet

     and be steadfast in all of your ways.

Proverbs 4:25-26

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Unexpected

Sometimes it’s the unexpected that helps one take notice in a different way, heightens a response, or causes changes to be made.  Our niece lives in Hawaii on the island of Oahu.  In December, the government began testing out an emergency system with sirens and texts.  Last Saturday an emergency alert text was sent that said, “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII.  SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER.  THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”  It was a long 38 minutes before the Emergency Management Agency reported that it was a false alarm message.  Because of the unexpected, the officials are now in the process of investigating and making sure there are safeguards in place to keep the false alert from happening again.  People have also been given a second chance to decide what they need to still do or change in case of a real threat.

Recently, Fredrick White, 19 years old, went to Goodwill and bought $65.oo worth of coats.  Jim Glasgow was behind him in line and was amazed that the teenager was purchasing so many coats.  Fredrick explained that he was buying them to give to the homeless in his community.  Mr. Glasgow was so impressed that he took a picture and sent it to his daughter, Hayley, who posted it.  When the local news station interviewed Fredrick he told them that he had been “inspired by a story he’d read online of people hanging jackets on poles and fences for the homeless.”  He took the story to heart and did what he could do to also help make a difference.

In what is being called the “Play of the season.” The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New Orleans Saints which earned them a spot in the NFC Championship Game.  The Vikings were one point behind, with 10 seconds left, and 61 yards to go when former University of Houston quarterback Case Keenum threw a long pass to Stefon Diggs which was caught and run in for a touchdown, earning the Minnesota Vikings the win.  In the after game interview, Keenum was asked what that moment meant to him.  He said, “It was the third best moment of my life.  The first was when I gave my life to Jesus Christ and the second was when I married my wife.”  Even with 10 seconds left in a game, with a long distance to go, expect the unexpected.

Last Friday, Larry and I ran some errands and then ate out before going to a meeting at church.  As we were being seated, Larry noticed a couple from church and went and spoke to them.  After eating, our waiter informed us that our friends had paid for our meal!  They had not finished their meal so we were able to thank them before leaving.  On the way to the car, our waiter and two other waiters followed us out the door to let us know the rest of the story.  When our waiter told his boss what the couple had done, he let them know he was going to pay for our friends’ meal.  They were all so excited about it, as were we.  Sometimes the unexpected encourages others to respond, too.

This week we experienced unexpected extended freezing temperatures for this part of Texas. Although there were some inconveniences, it was like bonus days getting to stay at home.  We made the best of it by getting some projects done, preparing for upcoming events, and relaxing.  Several of our friends, whose homes flooded, have used these days unpacking, painting, and checking projects off of lists.  What sweet blessings to have unexpected gifts of time.

We have no control over unexpected happenings in life, but we do have a choice about whom we rely on, how we react, respond, and learn from the situations.  How important to remember that no matter whether events are expected or unexpected, Jesus has promised to be with us at all times.  

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

“And surely I (Jesus) am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20b

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21 

Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6-7 

God is our refuge and strength,

     an ever-present help in trouble. 

Psalm 46:1 

My help comes from the LORD,

     the Maker of heaven and earth. 

Psalm 121:2

Can't Keep it Inside

Michael Gracey directed the movie/musical, “The Greatest Showman.”   In preparation for the movie, it took 8 months to schedule a date when the Fox executives, producers, actors and singers could all be present for a read through and singing of the songs.  One of the main actors, Hugh Jackman, called Gracey the night before the scheduled meeting to let him know that a skin cancer had been removed from his nose, he had 80 stitches, and the doctor had instructed him not to sing.  Gracey told Jackman not to tell anyone the news before he came, since he knew people would not be overly excited about flying to New York City to practice a musical and then not be hearing him sing.  The next day, as everyone gathered, Hugh Jackman explained the situation about his surgery and the doctor’s orders.  He told the cast and producers that he would stand, act, read his lines, and mouth the words as a fill-in sang for him.  That worked fine until the final musical number “From Now On.”  Hugh started out mouthing the words.  Then he spoke aloud a few more lines.  Soon Jackman was softly singing several more lines.  No longer able to hold it in, Jackman sang the rest of the song with energy and zest from his heart.  The room became electrifying as the other singers realized what was happening and enthusiastically joined in.  There was a price to pay for his exuberance as Jackman had to have some of the stitches repaired or replaced.  When interviewed about the movie, Hugh Jackman said that with all the dark in our world that this is his Christmas present of light.  The movie stresses the importance of inclusion and tolerance and according to Hugh, “What makes you different makes you special.”

The Alabama Crimson Tide played the Georgia Bulldogs for the National College Football Championship.  Alabama was behind 13 – 0 at halftime, thus Coach Nick Saban’s decision to change quarterbacks.  During the second half, freshman Tua Tagovailoa, from Hawaii, guided the Crimson Tide to tie up the game and force the game into overtime.  On the next to last play, in overtime, Tagovailoa was sacked for a loss of several yards.  But on the next and final play of the game, the quarterback threw a long pass which was caught and run in for a touchdown.  That play secured another National College Football Championship for Alabama.  During one of the after game interviews, Tua Tagovailoa paused and said, “I just want to stop and thank my parents; and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  He got me here.”  Tagovailoa couldn’t keep his gratitude inside any longer.

Hugh Jackman’s experience with the final song and Tua Tagovailoa’s after game interveiw remind me somewhat of Paul’s experiences in the New Testament.  Paul would not stop voicing and sharing the good news about Jesus.  Even when ordered to stop preaching and teaching about Jesus, or face prison and beatings, Paul refused to keep the message of faith, hope, love, joy, and salvation within.  Likewise, no matter the consequences, Peter and John also refused to stop speaking about what they had heard and seen.

We tend to overflow with that which we are filled.  During this New Year may others readily see and witness the Jesus spilling out in us through our words, actions, reactions, and the ways we love, respect, treat, and encourage them.

No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding things; we’re bringing everything out into the open.

Luke 8:16-17 (The Message)

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:18-20

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:3

Words of Wisdom

Last week, on a very cold Sunday afternoon, my sisters and I met at the facility where Mom lives to spend time with her.   When we were leaving to go home, one of my sisters noticed that I didn’t have my coat with me.  Since Larry let me out and picked me up at the drive through by the door, I left my coat in the car so as not to have to keep up with it while visiting.  I did assure her that I had a coat in the car.  We both remembered and recalled Daddy instructing us that even if we didn’t want to wear a coat we should be prepared in case the car had a flat tire and we needed to stand outside in the cold waiting for the tire to be changed.  I’m grateful that those words of wisdom, along with a plethora of others, have been taught, heard, learned, applied, and are still being practiced today.

It seems that the starting of a new year offers one ample opportunities to be surrounded by offers of wisdom and new beginnings.  The following are a few of the words I have read or heard advice from this first week of 2018: the Bible, a pastor, friends, people I have yet to meet, and even words of wisdom from an obituary. 

Six ethics of Life:

Before you Pray       -     Believe.

Before you Speak     -     Listen.

Before you Spend    -     Earn.

Before you Write     -     Think.

Before you Quit       -     Try.

Before you Die         -     Live.

The Oldtimers

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“We were not made to spread heat, but to shine the light.” – Duane Brooks

“We need to be not merely receivers of God’s gifts but active conduits of their treasure.” – Jeannette Clift George

“…on the wind of the Holy Spirit many of us find ourselves serving surprising assignments.  Trust God’s assignments.  He never assigns us to do what He has not already equipped us to do.” – Jeannette Clift George

“I want to learn my craft, compete with the best of them, and serve my Lord with the excellence He gives me.” – Jeannette Clift George

Words of wisdom can be taught and shared in a myriad of ways, but it’s up to each person to reason through, take to heart, and put into practice what they learn in order to make a difference in the way one lives.  May we be wise in discerning the words we choose to believe and act upon.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:10

As water reflects the face,

   so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27:19

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

   And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

   and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8