As a child, I remember my parents’ words of encouragement, “Stay focused!” Stay focused when homework seemed impossible. Stay focused when a best friend became a distant acquaintance. Stay focused when normal childhood challenges threatened to defeat me.
As a young woman, treasured teachers, mentors, and leaders advised me, “Stay the course, don’t lose hope, stay focused. I guess being focused on what’s important is critical in life.
This morning, I took my walk just before the sun peeked out from under the clouds. The dawn was filled with Christmas lights and a beautiful hush of new day silence. One home caught my attention. It was an eclectic mix of Christmas cheer, leftover Halloween creatures, and the holiness of the holiday. I snapped the photo, turned to finish my walk, and all the voices of my past echoed in my mind, “Stay focused.”
As a Christian, I have made my choice on who I will follow—Jesus is my direction. But I live in a world that provides a constant diet of distractions and the opportunity for anxiety and fear to overwhelm me. In times of weakness, the menu can easily overpower my best intentions.
I am learning it’s not enough to try to live my life straddling the world’s distractions and my good intentions. I proudly wear my “Good-girl” mask while continuing to refuse to fully surrender to my loving Savior. Living that type of life is reminiscent of a front yard filled with cartoon characters, twinkling light skeletons, and a manger tucked in the corner. In these situations, Jesus shares equal territory with the offerings of the world. And that position will never bring lasting peace or real satisfaction. It will always leave us wanting more, and I WANT, and crave, more!
As we step into the celebration of our Father’s greatest gift, I want to ask you a single question: “What are you focused on?” And then I’d ask that you consider, “As you step into 2026, what do you need to do to stay focused on Christ?”
Merry Christ-Day and remember, no matter what is going on in your world, stay focused.
Be Blessed,
BeLoved 
Hi Allison! I have had some introspection related to my quiet time. Easily distracted, mind wanders, noise invades. This year I will have a dedicated space and pillow to sit on. Scripture to contemplate and a pure beeswax candle lit. It’s a signal light for my brain to slow down, focus, deeply listen. I am hopeful my ADHD brain can just rest, relax and breathe. Christmas Eve has always been a special contemplative time. Alone, outside if possible, soaking in light, love and peace. Celebration of the birth of Christ.
Thank you for your heart. Enjoy this season. Love, Brenda Finkle
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