“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”                                                                 Hebrews 12:2

Pinecone battles. Kickball. Bike riding. Thumb wars. These are all part of my childhood memories. A time when most debates were settled by declaring, “Whoever blinks first loses. One. Two. Three. Go.” These words started intense staring contests between me and my brother. 

As kids, these moments were serious and being declared the winner was a badge of honor. All these years later, I can still remember that feeling when locked in a gaze with a friend or sibling bound and determined to win the staring standoff. I also remember how it felt to stare at that other set of eyes so intently that everything else fell out of focus. The background and all of the distractions became blurry and insignificant. 

As many children, I experimented with different interests to see where I fit in – where I could use my talents. In doing this, I tried to tap into the ballerina in me by taking dance classes. That lasted one year – those shoes hurt my feet! I have always admired those real ballerinas who stuck with it and learned to turn on their toes for long periods of time without getting dizzy or falling – a result of their dedication, focus, and balance.

As an adult, literal balance and focus becomes more and more important. This is why people are practicing yoga – to balance mind and body. In ballet and yoga, to keep your physical balance you need a focal point. Focusing on one stationery object or thought helps you stay steady. Clearly, there is a connection between focus and balance. 

Focusing on what really matters and balancing the personal and professional aspects of life grows in value as we grow older. In more than one way, success in our day to day activities is all about finding focus to remain balanced, steady. Obviously, as a young girl I lacked the focus it took to become dedicated to dance. I had not quite learned the philosophy of no pain, no gain. When I think of some of the most successful people I know and the hardest workers I have seen, they all have an intense focus and dedication to their craft, work, sport, or area of expertise. When there is a laser-like focus the distractions become blurred and insignificant allowing you to move closer to your goal.

There are days when I lose my focus and the world around me seems to spin. I find it difficult to find my balance and regain control. I have lost my focal point, and everything begins to swirl. That’s when I need to harness the kid in me and remember not to blink.  

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fix your eyes on Jesus …”         (The one who blinks first loses…)

He should be our focal point.            (One. Two. Three. Go.)

He can stop the world from spinning. 

Just like that prima ballerina or a yoga instructor or the winner of a staring contest, it takes time and practice. In this world with all of its distractions it takes true dedication and commitment to maintain focus and balance.

As a Christian, fix your eyes on the One who matters – Jesus. When you do, you can’t lose.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being an immovable focal point for me. You are the one true constant, unchanging support in a world of uncertainty. When I find myself losing focus and my world starts spinning, I will fix my eyes on You to blur the distractions and get back on track.

Amen.