As I was planning for our summer series at Category 6ix, the phrase that kept standing out to me was "Focus on God." It is so easy for me to be distracted, especially during the summer, from prioritizing my relationship with Jesus. When distracted, life seems to look a little more blurry. I've been challenged to re-focus on God this summer, and am challenging our students to do the same.
The same day this phrase jumped out to me, I ran across a blog post from the Pastor's wife at a church I interned with. I cannot say it better than she did, so I wanted to share her thoughts on being focused.
Focus, by Becky Hunter
Most of us have been snookered at some point or another by someone pointing at nothing and shouting “look over there!” When we look, they take advantage of our distraction and laugh. I confess, and I’m not proud of this, even I have been, on occasion, the snookerer. Full disclosure: It happened when there was only one more chocolate chip cookie left in the jar.
Surely the devil is the greatest snookerer of all. We can be focused on doing great good, loving others well, and praising God, and somewhere along the line, Satan will call to us … “look over there!” Inevitably what he points to is a mirage. And if we change our focus to check it out, he snarfs the things that really fill us up and bring us joy.
Stay focused on what matters. Because it matters. A lot.
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” - Hebrews 12:2,3 (The Message)
How will you be intentional about focusing on God this summer in your family? Here are just a few ideas that I am going to try, which may be helpful to you, too!
- Set aside time each day to spend time reading God's Word and in prayer
- Spend time in God's creation, praising Him
- At the end of each day ask yourself (or your kids): How have you seen God at work today? What is something you are thankful for today?
- As you go throughout the day, be attentive to the Holy Spirit and how he may want to work through you that day. Be ready to respond in obedience.
Just because programming may look a little different in the summer, does not mean we should take a break from our relationship with Jesus during the summer. I pray that you would have a renewed desire and strength to focus on Jesus throughout the summer!
Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in growing extraordinary students who love God, love people and make disciples! Have a great summer!