Notes from Jan

Focus

March 13, 2017

I was a wiggler.

Still am, though not as much.

From parents and teachers I heard, “Focus!”

Now, my morning prayers often include, “Lord, help me focus on what matters most to You this day.”

Don’t always get there, but it slows me down to ponder, and at least, take another look at my list.

So, you can imagine how startled I was to open up Martha Stewart’s magazine and note  her calendar for February.  Talk about narrowing down one’s focus. Her days included:

“Feed orchids”

“Begin organizing seed packets as they arrive”

“Clean dryer vent”

“Harvest herbs”

“Wash dogs’ winter coats and sweaters”

and “go for a hike.”

When the best tip I got was take a hike,  I figured it was past time to cancel the subscription.

A person can take just so much focusing.

Everybody needs a little wiggle room.

 

 

 

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7 Comments

  • Reply Dale Lefever March 13, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    Thanks Jan. I was not sure where you were going with “wiggle.” I sat behind parents with three small kids yesterday who met the criteria for wiggle. I was tempted to slip the parents the notice about our fine SS program for children, but given the sermon was on being a “good neighbor” I resisted the devil – not sure he fled very far.

    On your wiggle, I am a “to do” list guy, which I always have thought is better than a “don’t list”, but I know how such a focus can rule out special opportunities the Lord brings into my life. A great reminder to leave space for God and those He wants us to meet.

    Blessings, Dale

  • Reply Mark Taylor March 13, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    On the other hand, it’s good to be reminded to take a hike. We all tend to think that the “stuff” we have to do is so important we can’t afford the time for a hike. So enjoy the snow!

  • Reply Dan & Kathy Russ March 13, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    I love your image of wiggle room, Jan.. Your reflection reminded me of what I was taught in my one year of ROTC. When a soldier is on guard duty at night and looking out for enemies, do not focus on any one spot. Glance around because too much focusing will cause a chemical response in your eyes and blind you so that you cannot easily see. The instructor should have said to let your eyes wiggle.

  • Reply Elizabeth Payne March 13, 2017 at 7:13 pm

    Somehow, I can’t imagine Martha Stewart cleaning her own dyer vent!

  • Reply valerie mccoy March 13, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    Shucks…..when I was told to “take a hike” it had an entirely different connotation…..and it was usually said with loud interpretation!

  • Reply Janna March 13, 2017 at 11:02 pm

    One of my favorite books…The Welcome Song. One of my favorite stories…Wigglers Welcome.

  • Reply wendy lane March 16, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Did she really just have one of those things for each day? Or were all those things on one day?! I mean, there is “focus” and the I guess there is FOCUS!

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