Focus! Focus! Focus!

 by Macy Johnson

“Set your minds on things above,

not on earthly things.”

(Colossians 3:2 NIV)

 

“Lord, please help me juggle all these goings-on so they don’t land on my head,” I pleaded. I cannot juggle balls like my son can, but I find myself often dealing with many activities at a time.

 

My husband and I have a list of things to do before warm weather comes in full force. Decks need to be washed and outside furniture needs to be refurbished and rearranged. Those are only a few of the summertime tasks to tackle.

 

My employment as a church pianist produces a convoluted set of distractions. Organ and piano duets during a worship service are tricky. Unlike accompanying a soloist or other portable instrument, it is difficult for the organist and me to keep eye contact even when we face each other. I listen to the organ’s notes, but sometimes cannot hear them clearly as they are meshed in with the piano’s notes. Strict focus is required.

 

The best musical tool I can apply as an accompanist is to count the beats in a measure. If I count and move from measure to measure methodically, I can accompany any performer. If they lose focus and slip off the path, I keep a steady beat for them to find their way back. Focus is key.

 

My mind often wanders to the day’s activities or something someone said, and I must jerk it back. I train myself to ignore distractions and set my mind on Christ. If I don’t discipline my mind to focus on the Truth, I will be dragged away by lies.

 

“At the end of your life you will groan,

when your flesh and body are spent.”

(Proverbs 5:11 NIV)

 

I will focus on God while performing every task that He gives me. I hope you will, too!