Who or What Gets Your Attention?

The following is from one of my spiritual “heroes” and guides, Jim Martin…

One of the great resources you and I have to offer any person or situation is our attention. 

Yet, sometimes, we become distracted. We may have difficulty giving our full attention to what really matters and being fully present in the moment.  Many of us skim along the surface of most any experience, like a bass boat speeding down a river. We are in perpetual motion but our lives never get beyond the surface of the moment.

Consider what clamors for our attention:

• A text appears on your phone.
• You have a new e-mail message.
• The phone rings.
• You are invited to be a member of a committee.
• Your child is invited to be on a team.
• You see a new Tweet from someone who interests you.
• Your friend updates her Facebook or Instagram status and you want to respond.
• You watch television and are bombarded with advertisements.

Each day, somebody somewhere wants your attention.  If you are not intentional regarding the focus of your attention, you may rarely give your full attention to things that matter. 

The following are some critical areas that are worthy of attention:

1.  Give attention to the creator God.  Be attentive to Scripture and what God reveals about his character and his expectations.  Be attentive to the story of God revealed in Scripture. 

2.  Give attention to those who matter most.  Are you married?  Do you have children? Who are your closest friends?  Is there someone God has put into your life to encourage?  Consider who needs your full presence and undivided attention.  Are you investing in these people?  Or, are you passively waiting for them to take initiative toward you?

3.  Give attention to your own development.  Are you growing and developing personally, spiritually, or emotionally?  Are you growing and maturing in Christ?  Or, do you remain stuck in immaturity and old negative habits?

4.  Give attention to the maintenance of your life.  Are you practicing good self-care?  Are you feeding your soul so that you are nourished and strengthened on a regular basis? Are you taking care of your body?  Do you monitor your emotions?  Are you a good steward of the resources God has given you?