By Jean Roberson
I think I have a new mantra. At least, this seems to be the statement I am repeating to myself over and over again these days: “Jean, keep your eye on the prize.”
Here’s how it all began.
God moved in my life and convicted me that I needed to change something.
It really was a wonderful time of conviction, if there is such a thing.
Seriously God really revealed some unpleasant things about my nature and spoke to me through several people, showing me that I needed to change.
So I decided to change and what I was going to do to make that change.
Most of all, I knew that God loved me and was with me as I sought to be different. I knew this was pleasing to God.
Then it happened. Life.
As I am trying to change, suddenly my children need more than usual from me.
Nothing too big, just more carpools, activities and school projects.
Wonderful things, but unexpected things.
Then projects at work suddenly take more time than usual and require more attention.
There are unexpected expenses. There are some conflicts with friends that require time and attention to set relationships right. It all cycles together until I discover that I am just … tired. Too tired to make changes.
Does that happen to you? Is there a personal change you are trying to make?
Is there something you want to do as a family? Is there a new direction at work?
Why is it that once a change is identified, everything seems to war against it?
I am reminded of Paul’s words in Philippians, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:13–14).
I think there are times when we really do have to be singularly focused.
There really are times when we have to avoid getting caught up in the details and circumstances that arise.
There really are times when we have to guard our energy as we move toward the goals set before us.
As leaders in our work, churches, homes and communities, it becomes our responsibility to see through to the goal.
If we get so caught up in the circumstances that war against us, then no one sees things through
to the goal, because the call to change is our call, not someone else’s.
Think with me.
What are you trying to accomplish? What distractions have risen up? What focus do you need to regain?
A Takeaway Value …
Keep your eye on the prize.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Jean Roberson, MSW, LCSW, is a ministry consultant for national Woman’s Missionary Union. She serves as team leader for the adult team and director of Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps and International Initiatives.
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