The Force of Focus

     Last week I shared part of a Conference talk about "garbage" and I want to add to that, but in a different way. I think we can all be very good at digging up the garbage about ourselves. And sadly, when we do, we tend to focus more and more on our negatives, our problems, our weaknesses, our "garbage" Or we tend to focus on the "garbage" of others. Focusing on the bad and negative of others, as well as ourselves, does not help us in any way. Yes, we need to look inside of ourselves and see our weaknesses so that we can make a plan to overcome them. And, maybe, with kindess and caring judgment, we need to see the weaknesses of others in order to protect ourselves from those who would drag us down and create worse problems in our lives than we already have. But there is a distinct difference between digging up our garbage and reviewing it daily compared to knowing that it is a part of us that we are working to overcome!! Again, know that we have them. Make plans to overcome them!!

     And along those lines we can add another line that can help us continue to overcome our weaknesses. It's called knowing our strengths. There is not a person on this earth that does not have strengths, gifts, abilities, and positive aspects of their lives. And so many times those positive aspects of our lives can help us find the strength to overcome the weaknesses. A great part of the reason we are on this earth is to learn to overcome our weaknesses and build our strengths.

     So I give you a challenge this week! Make two lists: one with your weaknesses and another with your strengths. If you have trouble thinking of any you can always ask others to help you out. And sometimes they see things in us that we don't see, good and bad, so be open and willing to hear what they have to say. And sincerely consider their words. Read your lists! With the weakness one you CAN throw it away OR you can use it to set some goals to overcome them. But don't try to do them all. Put them in order and then work on one until you have controlled and/or conquered it and then move on. BUT with that list of the good things. KEEP IT! Put it somewhere that you can see it and read it often reminding yourself that these strengths will help you overcome the weaknesses as well as help you gain a "force to focus" on the good and positive in your life. And you may also realize that you are gaining other good things in your life as well!! And as you do you will also be a force for good in others lives by the example you set!

     YOU GOT THIS! YOU CAN DO THIS! WE CAN DO THIS! WE CAN BECOME THE PERSONS THE LORD SET US APART TO BE WHEN HE SENT US HERE AS WE FOCUS ON OUR STRENGTHS AND  FOCUS ON OUR GOALS TO OVERCOME OUR WEAKNESSES!!