Focus on What's Important
This January, I celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary.
I look forward to celebrating with my best friend, who just so happens to be my husband, Kenya. Back when we fell in love, Kenya was a young twenty-something senior in college, living with his mom, working at Family Dollar. He didn't have a car back then. So he would pick me up for dates in his late mother's rust bucket. I remember it was so raggedy, that there was a padlock on the hood of the car just to keep it from blowing up while coasting along the expressway.
We still laugh about that.
I even remember how Kenya, my sweet boyfriend, used to buy me sweatshirts from Family Dollar as gifts. Bless his heart.
I wasn't worried about what was in Kenya's pockets, though. I was more interested in his relationship with God and his character. I took notice of how he didn't pressure me to have sex before marriage, and I was a virgin the day we exchanged our vows.
Had I not been focused on what was important, however, I would have passed on what turned out to be one of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. You see, there were plenty of other guys with fancy cars, more money, and flashier clothes. But they didn't possess the qualities I prayed to find in the man who would one day become my husband, and the father of my children.
15 years of married life and 4 kids later, I have no doubt in my mind, God tailor-made Kenya for me, and me for him.
That's why I encourage you to focus on the things in life that matter in your relationships and every other area, too.
Instead of worrying about the kind of car you drive, focus on the fact that God has blessed you with a reliable vehicle to get you where you need to go. Don't obsess about the size of your house or apartment, or the decor inside, but be grateful that you have a roof over your head, unlike millions of homeless people.
Don't waste time thinking about how much you can't stand your job, but praise God that you are gainfully employed as a means of supporting yourself.
Don't complain about the hardships of entrepreneurship. Rather, thank God for the courage, knowledge, and ability you do possess to run your own business--large or small.
Instead of looking at all the things the people you love are not, praise God for all they are to you.
You and I have so many reasons to be thankful.
These days, Kenya isn't working at Family Dollar or struggling to graduate from college. He got his degree and God has blessed his career. He is, however, still the man that lights up my world; treats me with love, honor, and respect; takes great care of our children; loves and serves the Lord; and has a heart of gold.
And that, my friend, is most important of all.
TODAY'S PRAYER: God, help me not to become so distracted by insignificant things, that I miss out on all the many treasures You have blessed me with in my life and marriage. Today, I want to thank You for health, life, love, peace, joy, a sound mind, and a bright future ahead of me. Lord, please help me to be ever-mindful of what's important in life, so I will never overlook the priceless treasures that are all around me. Even when everything is not exactly the way I want it to be, give me a grateful heart always. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This article is excerpted from "Your Daily Cup of Inspiration" blog at www.diannahobbs.com.
6 Comments
Reader Comments (6)
Beatiful! My husband and I are going through challenging financial times. This is encouraging to focus on what matters most. Love, not money.
Thanks for this Dianna. Sharing!
I'm still waiting on God for Mr. Right but I believe he has the one for me. This gives me hope. True love!
Love you Dianna! Thank you for your transparency. When a marriage is built on the right foundation it will last forever. Congratulations on your anniversary.
I married for the wrong reasons which is why I am divorced today. I wish I had more wisdom but I was focused on his pockets and not his heart. He had the cash, house, car and looks. But he was a cheat and a player. And things can't keep me happy or warm at night. So my lesson is learned. Not that its anything wrong with having things but that can't be all. Good article!
This article makes me think of one of my favorite quotes. “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
― Elbert Hubbard
God bless you two!