Eye on the Prize
My parents own a Pekingese puppy named Fifi. She has captured their hearts and eats way too much food from the table. A happy dog, her bubbly nature has added great joy to my mom in her retirement. Fifi is spoiled to the core (I should know, I lived there before she did, and I was spoiled as well).
A while back, my man and I decided to take Fifi for a walk to stretch our legs and have a private chat far away from the attentive ears of my nosy Cuban relatives. We grabbed her new leash and headed out to the golf course behind my mom’s house. It was a glorious Florida day with blue skies and sunshine — a perfect day for a nice stroll. With my man and my doggie sister in tow, I smiled and began to stride toward the center of the green.
I didn’t make it far though. I immediately realized that we had a problem. The dog was easily distracted. She would take about two steps and stop to sniff at a rock. Then, she would walk back 3 steps and dig in the dirt. I tried coaxing her with a sweet, enthusiastic call. I attempted to pull gently on her leash to prod her along. I did not have much success. After about 20 minutes, we had progressed less than 5 feet.
I thought of Fifi tonight when I read Proverbs 15 where the wise man cautioned:
“A life frittered away disgusts God;
He loves those who run straight for the finish line” (v. 9, MSG)
Fifi definitely did not have her eye on the prize. She strayed off the course and had no sense of urgency. I realized tonight that I am a lot like her. I am sure that sometimes God is wondering what I am doing frittering around in a spot that He has moved on from. I need to keep my eye on the prize.
This past week, I read a lot of stories about courageous runners who ran an unexpectedly tumultuous race in Boston. In the marathon of life, I must show that same kind of courage and discipline. I pray every day that God will help me to finish well.
Q4U: How do you stay on course in the race of life?
My one-word focus for the year is “fruitilicious.” Find out what that means here.
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Joining like-minded sisters today at Tell His Story, Playdates with God, Hear it on Sunday: Use it on Monday, and Soli Deo Gloria.
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It is good to remember that we are running a race, as we live our lives for the Lord. May we keep our focus. I like your word, fruitilicious.
Thanks, Carol. I am praying that God helps me to have the discipline required for a marathon…
What a great lesson on being distracted!
This verse hit me hard. That phrase “frittered away.” Painful to read…. needed to read this one.
This is a great post for me–especially as I’m sitting here playing on the internet. Thanks for sharing that verse & reminder today. Blessings!
Renee, I know that this is a tough time of the year for you as the school year wraps up. I think April and May were my toughest months. The stacks of research papers stared back and me and mocked me….
It is easy for me to get distracted sometimes — I forget what is of utmost importance and I fritter my time away on things that He has not called me to do. I stay ON course by regularly seeking Him. He gives me my purpose and sense of worth.
He really is so patient with me, Jen. I must admit that I lack discipline in so many areas.
I hadn’t ever seen that translation of Prov. 19:15 but I certainly agree with it. What a shame a wasted life is!
I think regular bible study keeps me on course for running the race. I need to be reminded of what the prize is – my heavenly home and seeing my Savior face to face.
I agree, Jerralea. The Bible is like my manual for the race… it keeps me on track.
A good lesson from watching Fifi. 🙂 How often I get distracted during the day!
It reminds me of technology and social media: though we are more connected than ever before via technology, it also creates more distractions and opportunities to stray.
I know, Ana. I love my iPhone, but I realize more and more how much of my time it sucks away… I would definitely have more time to read and just “be” if I put that phone down…
Our Lucy Mae is much like Fifi–my husband calls it “mosying”. Sometimes, though, I find this kind of slower pace to be a gift–enjoying the beauty God leaves in my path. But I know what you mean…mustn’t get distracted from what matters most. 🙂
I am all for a slow pace, but our Fifi doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere even slowly. She really doesn’t understand the concept of what a walk is, I think. Maybe she gets all her energy out running around the house all day… not sure. 🙂
I find distractions come when I’m not spending time in His Word…or simply time with Him. Your post is a great reminder to how easily those distractions do come. Btw, I love your word! I’ve come here several times now and your word always makes me smile.
Blessings.
I agree, Beth. I find that getting into the Word in the morning helps me focus… Thanks! God is really using this theme in my life right now. 🙂
Dear sweet Fifi is just like any other dog. What I do with mine when they don’t want to hurry up is to pick them up and carry them along for a while. It makes me think how our Lord needs to pick us up as well sometimes when we don’t want to move along!!
Blessings from Jennifer’s.
Mia
I know God has carried me many a time. 🙂
I stay on course through prayer, community, Bible reading and action. I also stay on course, through people like you, who always point to the Father.
Thank you, sweet Jennifer. You point me to Him every time I visit your blog. Hugs
Great post! My first time visiting here – I popped over from Faith Filled Friday. Excellent post — keeping our eyes on the finish line and not getting distracted, so we will one day hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” I also clicked on your Fruitilicious link. WHat a great word for your year! As we are filled with the Spirit and Walk in the Spirit, we will produce the delicious Fruit of the Spirit, which will draw others to Christ as they are demonstrated in our lives! So neat!
Lovely to connect with you, Elizabeth! I am a big fan of Laura and her Missional Women blog. Hope you have a fruitful weekend. 🙂