Doing something differently – where my focus is

What am I doing differently these days? With thoughts running in my head throughout the day, adding one simple step helps me see where my focus is.

What’s on my mind

I’ve been journaling for a while now, about ten minutes in the morning. I write what’s on my mind, then invite Jesus to speak into it. I try to pause and listen for a response, thoughts which come to my heart that I can write down.

Intentionally focus

Because I also seem to have a running conversation in my head, I’ve started writing out reflections as well. I realized this was a way to intentionally focus on what already had my attention or was preoccupying my thoughts. I try to sit down and write about it so I can focus on the topic and write down what comes to mind.

Pause

You may or may not have moments during which you can pause. Often times, life doesn’t allow for the sit down intentional place of focus.

I have noticed, when I’m going about my day that I can pause in the middle of my thoughts and see if I’ve brought Jesus into the conversation.

Where my focus is

What’s that supposed to mean, you ask? Well, if I’m preoccupied with something, that’s where my focus is. If I take just a moment to ask a question like, “Jesus, what’s your perspective on this? What are your thoughts?” I’m now focused on Jesus and not just my thoughts. I’ve invited Him into the conversation. All that time He’s been waiting patiently for me to invite Him into this aspect of my life.

Invite Jesus

Give it a try sometime. If you have a bunch of thoughts running through your head, maybe something that’s weighing you down or is taking up more of your attention than you’d prefer, then invite Jesus into the conversation. No fancy words needed. You don’t even have to pray, though some might see this as a way to pray. What’s important is to invite Jesus into the space.

Invitation to speak

I have wise friends. You know, the ones who never say anything until you invite them to speak. Then they share the most amazing piece of insight you wish you’d heard long before you spent a bunch of time preoccupied by whatever was weighing you down. In this type of scenario, think of Jesus like that. He’s like that wise friend, patiently listening, thoughtfully reflecting, and waiting for the invitation to speak lovingly into your life.

Will you invite Him to speak?

“The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words. That’s because God gives the Holy Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has put everything into his hands.” John 3:34-35 NIRV

More thoughts on where to focus:

Where to focus in the midst of change

How to simply pray