This morning was a beautiful morning to sit outside and enjoy the cooler weather. I was having my morning cup of tea when I heard a cardinal singing in the tree. I saw it fly from one place to another branch and tried to keep my eye on it.
As I was trying to watch and listen, our cat decided to join me. To be honest she distracted me and I lost track of that flash of red that was the cardinal. I searched and searched but failed to find it back.
I sat for a bit pondering how easily I was distracted from the task I had set for myself. It wasn’t a task of much importance, but I came to realize that there are many large tasks that I also get distracted from.
A thought came to my mind that there are many times I should be keeping my eyes on God and what He would have me do….but I get distracted by crazy things that send my thought in other directions.
I kind of wondered if that is happening in our world today….are we distracted by media news stories that showcase issues and problems that seem to big for us to solve? Are we distracted by social media full of hashtags and trendy sayings that really fix nothing but sound like we are caring? Do we get sidetracked from keeping our eye on the One that has ALL the answers?
The problems are many and they are huge. They seem overwhelming when looked at through the lens of the world. Perhaps we/I should be looking at them through the God’s lens?
As I sat there, sipping on my tea this quiet morning I heard the cardinal sing again. I peered to my left and there the cardinal sat…..a brilliant flash of red, serenading me with a concert that was only enjoyed by the cat and me.
It seemed like a promise…..that even though I might be distracted by the world around me….God is still faithful. He puts me back on track. I realized that I cannot change the world and fix all the injustices and hurts…..but I can do the task I am given in this small piece of world that is home.
I realized I am only one person….but I can live in such a way that influences those around me. I can be faithful….I can fix my eyes on Him and share His love and the hope that is promised.
May this weekend find you sharing that promise. May this weekend find you doing the task that is yours to do and may you keep your eyes fixed firmly on the bird.
“The main thing
is to keep the main thing
a main thing.”
Stephen R. Covey
If you chase two rabbits…
both will escape.
verybestquotes.com
The Chicken Grandma 
Beautiful bird and beautiful thoughts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Anne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I get older, it seems concentration and focus have become somewhat elusive, and I do far less than before. I pray for the grace to be gentle with myself and my husband and to accept this new, quiet stage in our lives. Thank you for your inspirational posst, Faye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree about losing focus as we age! I am not nearly as good at multi-tasking as I used to be.
LikeLike
I like the Stephen R. Covey quote. We certainly do need to keep our eye on God and let our light shine during this troubled time. My middle name is distracted – my mind just wanders off on a path of its own. Loved the photo of the Cardinal. We have a tremendous amount of Cardinals in our yard every day. They love to eat our blackberries, while the Mocking Birds eat the blueberries. I love sitting in the early morning – with my tea – watching the cool, quiet time of the day. Have a great weekend Faye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not get to sit outside this morning….we are now in a bit of a rainy cycle it seems. Rain is good though we were starting to get pretty dry around here. You have a wonderful weekend also Peggy. I
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice and reminds me of another, pithy quote. “Don’t Major in Minors”.
So Cardinals like corn? Never saw that before. I’ve found several of my old bird photographs and started posting them last night.
Hope is is well in the heartland
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that quote also Ray!
I actually took that photo this past winter. I have another that shows the cardinal challenging a Red-Belly Woodpecker for the right to that ear of corn. I may have to post that one at some point.
LikeLike
Excellent thoughts. So often we’re distracted by the noise of this world. We forget that as Christians, we are not part of the world. This is just a stepping off place for us – a time of grace extended to us by the hand of God, to bring others to His world. That is our purpose and our joy as we muddle through all kinds of experiences designed to sharpen us and refine us. Thanks for your words today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that Kathy…a time of grace for us to bring others to His world. And you are so welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Focus and concentration is one of my biggest challenges nowadays. I am thankful for friends like you who remind me what is important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is hard to focus with all the noise from “the world”. I am so grateful God send his tiny red messengers to remind me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your analogy and how you brought this experience to keeping our eyes on the one who holds our future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. I get to be serenaded by the cardinal most mornings. It is truly a gift and focuses me on what is important….God and His will.
LikeLike
I love your insight. Yes it is so easy to get distracted from tasks and as you say from keeping focused on God throughout the many messes we are facing. My sister and I talk of current things and we remind ourselves that we were born for this time…God has a plan and purpose, and we are part of it. Yet, I have to remind myself to focus, focus, focus on what is eternal. Great post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great reminder that we were born for this time…..a great hopeful reminder! Yes I have to focus, focus and focus some more also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I get discouraged by current circumstance, I remind myself of being here for a purpose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad I ran across your blog! Your name caught my attention first; my grandchildren call me Grandma Chicken. Your writing is lovely and inspiring and I look forward to following you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Joann. I have got to get back to blogging. My short vacation has gotten longer than I intended it too.
I love that your grandchildren call you Grandma Chicken! You must have some chickens?
LikeLike
Oh wow, that is the bird on Angry Birds, right? It is beautiful, and so are your thoughts. Very empowered. Not a lot of people think about what they can do and instead focus on what others can do for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind comments. Cardinals are so beautiful and I love how God uses them to teach me lessons.
LikeLike