“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
I have a new friend, and I am absolutely thrilled! We became better acquainted during Vacation Bible School several weeks ago. I must tell you; I absolutely love this child! Children so easily share the wonderful gifts of unbridled joy, honesty, gleeful amazement, and zeal for everything in their world. It is a pure delight to spend time with them and bask in all that happiness.
My newest 6-year old church buddy thrilled my soul as he greeted me at a recent church fellowship. He bounded in with a huge grin and a tight hug. “Will you sit with me?” he asked?
“Of course! I would love to sit with you!” I happily replied.
We made our way down a narrow row of tables, dodging chairs and people as we went. “You can sit here,” he offered, “my daddy and momma will sit here, and my sisters there.” He had a plan, and I was so happy to be included.
“That’s perfect!” I replied as we quickly took our seats.
After a few minutes of chatting, it was decided that we should get something to drink. Once again, we dodged chairs and worked our way to the kitchen area where sweet iced tea and soda waited to quench our thirst.
Along the way, I ran into a couple of friends from my Sunday school class. I paused for a brief conversation with them while my dinner buddy picked up his drink. It didn’t seem like very long, at least not to me, but I am sure several minutes passed. I felt a small, warm hand slip into mine. Looking down, I saw my cotton-haired friend peering at me through crystal blue eyes.
“Did you get distracted?” he asked sweetly. It was as if he was familiar with the phrase. I suspect he has been asked that question a time or two himself.
I giggled as I hung my head. “Yes, I am afraid I did!” I replied.
He smiled a kind yet knowing grin, “That’s okay. Let’s go sit down.” He responded in his 6-years-going-46 conversational tone. We returned to our seats for more marvelous discussions and giggles. Oh, my heart! What a special blessing for me.
Later, my young friend’s question weighed heavily on my mind. “Did you get distracted?” Ummm. Well, yes, I must say that sometimes I do find myself distracted. Sometimes side-tracked, sometimes completely off track. It happens.
What about you? Do you ever find yourself distracted from the task at hand? Good intentions, sincerely motivated, but somehow on the way to action, you get off course. You find yourself busy with something that was never even on your “to-do” list.
I can see Jesus asking me the same question sometimes. “Did you get distracted, Charlene?” “Well, yes. I am afraid I did.” I can also see him lovingly take my hand and assure me, “it’s okay.”
Jesus Christ deserves my full attention. Hebrews 12:22 reminds me that He (Jesus) is the founder and perfecter of my faith. He endured the cross for me. He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus Christ. I am to look to Him; focus on Him. He is worthy of my worship, adoration, service, and time. He is the One to whom I should direct my thoughts and focus. When I am distracted, He is the One who lovingly brings me back to Himself. He has a plan, and I am so happy to be part of it!
Isn’t it funny how God can use an everyday event to remind us of a heavenly truth? He used a 6-year-old boy to model patience and forgiveness as he reminded me that my Savior wants me to spend time with Him. Don’t get “distracted” – focus on Jesus and enjoy sweet fellowship with our Savior and Lord.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
