Focus

I remember the lesson from the lens as I focused on different things from the fence looking on to Mt. Evans. Any trip to Evergreen always includes some meditation on the peak as seen from the open space near my friends' cabin.

I recall first being drawn into the beauty of the grass as it gracefully waved in the breeze. Then the beauty of the fence itself deserved some notice. Of course, the hills covered with trees and the naked peak in the distance were so majestic that they demanded attention. Then being able to landscape a picture, to some respect, let me see it as one whole scene. All the elements were there in every picture, but what was the focus?
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I remember giving a friend I was mentoring an assignment to call me every day and tell me something funny that happened. She didn't call me for several days. When she finally did, she confessed that she just couldn't find anything funny to report. Well, I laughed hysterically, and replied, "That is REALLY FUNNY!" We both broke into a wonderful fit of giggles. How seriously we take ourselves and life, when a little laughter would be much better for our health and relationship with others. My friend and I still laugh about that revelation.
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I am convinced that if I wake up looking for opportunities and ways to be grateful, useful, and cheerful, I will have a pretty good day. If I wake up focusing on shortcomings, things that are unfair or wrong, or on a search for things to make me happy, I will rarely see the peace of God in the picture. It is all about focus. Even if nobody else reads this, it is a good reminder to myself.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable~~if anything is excellent or praiseworthy~~think about such things...and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9