Focus Your Life One Step at a Time

sat up in my bed after waking up from an unsettling dream.  For a moment I was frozen trying to clear my mind’s cobwebs and that’s when I heard it.  The sound was unmistakable.  It was the sound of moving water, almost like the sound of a toilet flushing. The only problem was that there were only two people in the house – my one-year-old niece and me. 

While I believe her to be gifted and special, she was not big enough or smart enough to navigate the trip upstairs to the restroom.  I thought about what to do next only to realize that I had to investigate the issue.  If something was seriously wrong, I needed to know so I could respond as quickly as possible. 

Nervously, I tip toed past the baby’s crib and headed down into the basement.  As I stepped down the sounds of water became louder and louder.  In fact, it sounded as if I were in the middle of an aquarium.  “Lord Jesus” I sighed as I listened to the water running loudly in the pipes.  I didn’t know what the problem was, but I knew that my sister and brother in-law had left me in charge of their child and home.  As the sounds of water continued, I wondered what to do next. 

It was 3AM. 

I checked around and there were no signs of water, but I couldn’t ignore what I was hearing.  I worried that at any moment a pipe would burst and I’d be fleeing the house with my niece in tow a la Titanic style. 

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Don't Count Yourself Out!

Competing in the eWomenNetwork’s North America’s Next Greatest Speaker contest was an amazing experience that surpassed all of my hopes and expectations.  To this day, I still can’t believe I was named the winner, considering the vast talent and expertise of the other nine speakers. 

But even more meaningful than being crowned the winner was the journey to that moment. 

I discovered the contest accidentally—but in hindsight I know that it was on purpose.  For years, I invested my time and talent in a job and career that meant little more to me than a consistent paycheck and good health coverage.  Career wise, I was like a hamster on a wheel—perpetually running and not going anywhere.  As I sought for ways to be more fulfilled, I was always looking for a better job.  Basically, seeking more of the same.  Yes, there were dreams for my business and ministry that burdened my heart, but there was a security I was not ready to release.  Finally, last year after hitting several brick walls I realized that one of the main reasons I wasn’t prospering was because I was pursuing the wrong things.

I was so busy making my job a focal point of my purpose, that I spent little time or energy building the right things in my life.  That frustration would be my reality as long as I kept investing my everything in the things that didn’t touch my soul. 

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The Road Back to Forward: Repairing Breached Relationships

The other day one of my best friends called to remind me to call her son—my godson for his birthday.  I laughingly, but seriously, told her that I don't call small children on their birthdays.  I always picture my call to be an unwelcome interruption to the excitement of their day.  But, I made the promise to call.  

The big day arrived and I kept reminding myself to call.  But at 10 pm, it hit me that I’d neglected to keep my promise.   Knowing he was well past his bedtime, I called my friend and left a long winded profuse apology on her voice mail.  She didn't call me back.  So, the next day, I left yet another one proclaiming myself to be an "unfairy godmother"...still no call back.  I got a little worried.  I was concerned about a possible breach in our friendship.  Having lost my fair share of friendships over the years, I didn't want to lose this one.  But the next day she called to reassure me that she understood and we were “all good.” 

Breaches, failures and misunderstandings are painful.  Lately, as a body, it seems that we are constantly assaulted with the pitfalls of humanity in ourselves and our leaders...despite the amazing power of Christ that is always present to change and keep us.  Opportunities for offense and disappointment are endless and once the dust settles from our injured emotions...we wonder, what next? How do we get on the road back to forward?

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