God, I have to focus. The news is filled with sickness, debates, and hatred. Everyone seems politically charged. They are scared. They are hurt. They are looking for someone or something to blame.

God, I have to focus. We have been so good with quarantining for over four months. Meanwhile I see neighbors hanging out together and seeing people party on social media. I want to keep my family safe but it feels like so many do not care.

God, I have to focus. With news of the pandemic reaching epic proportions in our city I watch my kids battle cystic fibrosis and I keep hoping that they will not need another tune up. The hospitals are reaching capacity and not sure where we would go.

God, I have to focus. My remote equipment seems like there is always an issue for work. My team members are constantly texting asking about the future and days off. The kids always seem to shout during the important meetings.

God, I have to focus. My anxiety creeps in and I wonder if there is something wrong with every headache. I wonder if I’m being a good husband, dad, pastor, nonprofit owner, and call center manager. Will I look back and be proud of this time period or will I wish I could have done more.

God, I have to focus. I wonder what to write about this morning with my coffee for my devotional and I find this verse specifically:

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.”

Colossians 3:1-2 MSG

God, I have to focus. I need to focus on your love. I need to focus on your grace. Get my eyes off theses worries right in front of me. Put on my spiritual glasses today. Let me see through your perspective today. Thank you for your grace, wisdom, protection, the opportunity to lead others, and most of all the opportunity to follow you. Thank you for allowing me to re-focus. Today will be good! Amen.