Focus

Focus

by Bob Bekins

September 2019

Proverbs 4:25–27  “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left, keep your feet from evil.”

My friend Norm was a satellite technician for an aerospace company.   To hit the correct orbit, the satellite had to be sent up as close as possible to a moment in time and space from the Florida launch center.  To be on the propelling rocket, the truck had to arrive on time from California.  To get on the truck, the satellite had to be manufactured on time.  Norm was the last guy to button it up before the truck ride.  At the last possible moment, he accidentally dropped a wrench INSIDE the satellite.  He had to get it out from deep within.  In excruciating pain, Norm finally grasped the wrench after reaching so hard that the tendon connected to his middle finger tore loose and snapped back into his wrist.  THAT is focus.  Nothing was going to keep Norm from finishing on time.

I remember a movie where an Italian racecar driver tore the rearview mirror off of his car. He said, “it don a matter what behind me, only what ahead.”

If you have ever played basketball, you know that the ball goes where you are looking as much as it goes where your hands push it.   When players are taking a free throw, the opposing players may make a small sound, or a small movement, and sometimes that is enough to throw the shot out of the zone. The shooter must focus and ignore all other input at the moment the ball is released.

Don’t get distracted. Stay focused on what you intend.  The assaults on your time, energy, and resources today are unlike any in the history of the world.  Television, radio, cell phone, books, people, movies, dining out, magazines, commuting, hobbies, gambling, sports, shopping, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, pornography, politics, and candy all monopolize our time, money and attention; shall I go on?

Make up your mind about what is important and go for it full tilt!