In my last blog I wrote about the importance of establishing and maintaining our focus and how easily distractions can set in. Today I want to go a little deeper and address the subject from a slightly different angle.

I have learned throughout the course of life’s experiences that in order to progress and live life to its fullest it is imperative that I not only devote attention to my daily responsibilities, but also focus on goals and dreams. It is easy to get caught up in the vacuum of all that we are involved in and those things that presently make demands on us. We can so become engulfed in the NOW, that we lose sight of the future. We neglect to do what is necessary to realize the NEXT.

When my family and I relocated from Maryland to Ohio some years ago, we left the home we had built only 4 years prior. The realtor we secured to help sell our home informed us that because the development in which we lived was still building homes, it may not be easy to find a buyer quickly. However, much to our dismay we did not realize the lack of effort she would put into getting our house sold. Months went by, of course the mortgage payments continued as did the monthly payments for our new temporary location in Ohio. As you would imagine my frustration grew daily, and even house hunting in our new city became very discouraging. My mind was overwhelmed and completely bogged down with what wasn’t happening with the sale of our home back in Maryland. My husband being the objective and optimistic guy that he has always been, sat me down one day in an effort to take a different approach. I remember clearly as if it was yesterday. He said “Babe, I want you to just take some time to sit down, relax, and just “see” your new house”. I was in no mood for his optimism but after a few long sighs and hoping he would just let me be, I decided to try it. Well, I did what he asked, and I began to mentally visualize what I wanted in my new home. The first thing I did was visualized the foyer, then as the details became clearer in my mind’s eye, I went on to other rooms and the layout of my dream home. What was happening was that I was taking my mind off what was not happening and began to focus on the possibility of what could happen! You can call it faith, you can call it dreaming, you can call it envisioning; whatever label you choose to put on it the outcome was a change of my focus. Frustration moved to faith, hopelessness moved to hope, anxiousness moved to anticipation!

When we only look at our current situation even when it is good, it keeps us cemented in the present. When we remain where we are, we prohibit ourselves from the discovery of the magnitude that God has planned for our lives. The beginning of our dreams and desires coming to fruition often must start with writing them down, “seeing” them in our minds, and setting things in motion to make it happen. Despair and complacency easily creep in when the future is either clouded or completely blocked from our view. I encourage you to “see” yourself in that new position as a result of a promotion or career change. “See” yourself in that new home. “See” yourself with the family (husband, wife, children) that your heart desires. “See” yourself driving that new automobile. “See” yourself being active in your community or an even larger platform helping others to realize a better life and becoming productive citizens.

Not only is it probable, with God it is POSSIBLE!

“For I know the plans I have for you . . .plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29: 11

Source: First Lady Denise