Tag: Proverbs 3

Finding our focus

If you live in Calgary you know what the most important thing is during a Chinook – window washer fluid. There is a dance that a driver does during a Chinook, as they rate the splatter on their windshield; when to pump out more of the cleaner and when to wait.

I was doing this the other day. I was trying to decide whether I should spray more cleaner. But I could still see quite well, so I decided that I could manage another block or two. It then struck me how amazing our vision is. Our eyes can focus through all the “static” on the window and see the important objects that lay beyond.

It then dawned on me, this is what we have to do now. We need to look past all the muck and distractions and focus on the important issues. We need to see the reality beyond the splatter so we can navigate our way through the obstacles of life.

I would like to make a case for a short list of issues on which we should train our attention. All three of these are present in the beginning of the scriptures. First – the primacy of the individual. Second – the sacredness of the marriage. Third – the significance of the family.

I would argue that these are the threads that have knit our societies together. These are the foundation stones of a Godly people. Of course, as seen within the framework of God’s plan. Always keeping in mind the wishes God has for his people.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

After the storm

Imagine we are on a voyage. We are sailing on the ocean. There is a great storm, and we are blown off course. When the rain and wind die down, and we stop trying to keep the ship from going down, we become aware that our tools have all been damaged. Our radio, computers and usual charting devices have been destroyed by the storm.

What should we do at this point? I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts – but here is what I think we should do.

We should find a safe harbour, never mind where it is or how familiar it is to us. Find a calm place to stop and drop anchor. Most important thing to have when sailing – an anchor. Find this anchor and use it now. Stop and pause, and let go of the fear from the night before. Let go of the anxiety of saving your life and those of your shipmates. You are here now – alive. Release the negative emotions and pause.

Get out the maps. Get out the compass and try to figure out where we are. This is the only way forward. We have to stop and take stock. We can’t start sailing without figuring out how far off course we now are. We have to establish where we are and how best to get to our destination.

God is the anchor. The Bible is the map. Our inner conscience is the compass. Pause and pull out what tools we have left.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.