Where's My Focus? | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Where's My Focus? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Martelli
02/07/23
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Ready for my day, I looked outside, noticing the long icicles drooping down from the roof of my warm house. A masked man jogged by with his colossal chocolate lab leading the way. Then a masked runner overtook him. I was thinking, “maybe later I will venture out. Yeah, later.” I chose the option of working from home that morning. I knew I should be happy that I had a new day before me, but my focus was on the wrong things and therefore it did not seem so promising.

It wasn’t just the cold that made me want to stay inside. I was sad as I mourned the losses of the days before Covid-19. I missed the freedoms I had then, with no thought of masks, social distancing, and hand washing until my hands were dry and cracking. Back then, my mornings were social events that included friendly chats with neighbors and a stop at Starbucks on the way to the office. I did not realize their importance until I had lost them.

I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie as I watched everyone walking around like automatons in masks. Interestingly, people showed their creativity by expressing their individuality with various fashion designs and colors of face coverings.

Still, I hated the masks. They made people anonymous. Nobody looked at anyone else anymore, and if I smiled at someone, they never knew it. And I wondered, did they smile at me? Yes, if I dwelt on those days, I would be sad.

The time for mourning has ended. I must be determined to find joy as I wake each morning. This means I must shift my focus to the things in life that are positive and beautiful.

Now, as I look out of the window, I notice that the birds still sing, and the trees stand tall. My heart feels happy as I think of the outdoor activities I will enjoy in a few weeks.

The dog walkers and joggers are no longer depressing to me. I see each one as a potential friend.

Even more important than noticing the good around me, I will set the focus of my mind and heart on the Lord. He is the only source of true joy. Here is my prayer:

“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.” Psalms 143:8 (NKJV)

He still loves me, and He will provide for me. No matter the circumstance I have decided to look first at Him and then at the good in situations and people. His mercies are new every morning and the possibilities are endless!

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