Focus on What Matters Most

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I receive many little advertising gimmicks from companies I use to encourage me to buy their next product. Usually, these items come in and go right back out of my house. But I attended a conference on how to better position myself as a photography business owner and how to market my products a few years ago, and the company hosting the conference sent me a t-shirt that said, "Focus on what matters most."  At the time, the t-shirt fit and was soft and in a color I would wear, so I kept the t-shirt. As a photography product, it made sense. Choose your focal point when taking the picture, and focus on what is most important to the client. But the phrase kept coming to mind over and over. I would hear myself saying, "Focus on what matters most" when cleaning my house, when writing my daily task lists, when talking (arguing) with my husband and kids, and even in my devotions. It became a quiet mantra that I would speak to myself almost all day. The t-shirt became my favorite shirt to wear, and I found after a few months that I was starting to even offer counsel in my ministry to others to focus on what matters most. 

Years later, the shirt is too big and has become a sleep shirt (praise the Lord for my lost weight), but I still use the phrase daily in my inner dialogue and counsel to others. What I have come to realize is there is only one thing that matters MOST! It is the everyday commitment to sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ with others. There are days that this is harder than others, and times when my inner voice is quieter than my outer voice and not always heard. But when I am focused on Jesus, everything else falls into its proper place, and I can see clearly what I am to do next. 

Right now, our youth programs are going through a transformation. We (the Pastor, elders, and I) are trying to decide on where to focus my effort (paid hours and job description) to best fulfill the LORD's will for our church and the youth and their families. Once again, I am brought to the phrase, focus on what matters most! In ministry, Jesus focused on relationship and intentional teaching of his plans and purpose. I believe that is where we are heading. After years of doing youth ministry one way, I am feeling led by the pastor's vision and the Holy Spirit's confirmation to shift to a new approach. I am in constant prayer and questioning the details and choices, and I am not terribly confident of my next steps. But I do know that keeping my focus on Jesus is where I will make my path straight! 

As part of the ministry, I run the Kids for Christ Program (K-5th grade) and the Youth Group (6th-12th grade), and most recently, we have added a Family Focus element, which is open to all families with kids still in their homes. The Family Focus group seems to be where most of my attention is moving. For one, it includes the other 2 groups, but also because this is the trend of the church. Families want fellowship and guidance, and we as the church want to be the ones providing it! I have taken a step of faith to start a Family Fellowship night on Mondays through the summer (we may change the day and time as we move forward into the school year.)  I don't know what our discussions will sound like, I am not sure what the kids will do to stay occupied while the adults talk parenting and challenges, and I have no idea who will come. But what I do know is we will FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST! 

This blog has been dormant for a while, so if you are reading this... then maybe this group is for you. Reach out for info, and let's fellowship together and align our focus on what matters most! 

In Christ Alone, 

Amy

txt or call for more info: 843.670.0163 

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