I struggled to focus as I looked across the endless wall. The stone went on and on. I knew there were doorways. From my view, they were hiding somewhere in the wall ahead of me. As Life’s whispers reminded me, the wall illustrated my repeating challenge. Where do I focus my attention?
I hear a calling to be in the present. Life reminds me to learn from the past. The whispers do not stop with this message. Once the past is mined for insights and lessons, it is time to let it go. My temporary attention to historical details sets the stage for the question of what comes next. The answer repeatedly echoes across time: “That’s it – eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It’s God’s gift.” (Ecclesiastes 3.13)
I hear a call to action. In this morning’s reflection, my awareness of what I am called to do sits in a space of work, sharing, and engagement. I do not find a call to take from others, letting them absorb the burdens and cares in my life. The way forward involves lifting my loads first. Once this is underway, the second part of moving forward includes doing what I can to support others along the way. When I was young, I thought this meant my mandate was to consistently serve others, often to the detriment of taking care of myself. Caring and service are at the top of my agenda today, starting with myself.
I hear a call to attention. I have no idea how today will unfold. In opening myself up to the endless possibilities of what I might find, I realise my focus is on my present moment. I can see this with clarity! My focus comes with a simple question: What will I do with what I know? Once I answer this and act on my choice, I have an opportunity to learn and face the question in the next moment. My focus moves forward, one step at a time, with the option of moving with clarity, insight, and freedom.
