Focus

Sunday was the battle of the Sexes, the best woman versus the best man in squash.  The first match involved two from the junior ranks (under 19).  As I watch from above as if I was an invited angel.  Present, aware, and invited to experience, yet distant, uninvolved, and ultimately bound by a role of support.  As I contrasted their games with my own, I could see the difference!  The key to their games was the same, focus.  The consistency was wonderful.  The shot selection, in the norm, was stunning.  The patience exercised by both was wonderful.  It was fun to watch!  Not only for me, for everyone in the crowd that filled every possible spot to watch.
Last night a friend talked about his life mantras.  He would never allow another person to dictate a goal.  While he appreciated their input, thoughts, and advice, the decision in the end was his and his alone.  He will never give his freedom to another.  He will never give control to another.  His goal is to focus to the exclusion of everything else.
It is a mantra that I would do well to reflect and absorb.  I see others in the same pattern.  In a time of great stress and risk, “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed-he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all his glory with Jesus standing at his side.” (Acts 7.55)  He had absolute and total focus on the goal of the moment.
I would be the last person to suggest that focus is an easy state to achieve and remain in.  There are far too many distractions!  There are far too many points where I am weak.  There are far too areas where my fears and uncertainties dominate my life.
As today dawns, I know with my heart and head that God is the answer.  In God, I can bring my fears and uncertainties to an altar and leave them behind.  In God, I can embrace Divinity's strength and let it be my own.  In God, I can be.