Do you know how easy it is to get sidetracked, even when you think you are focused and moving ahead well? Look at this photo carefully. There’s a straight track and then, suddenly, a sidetrack. As I understand it, the engine cannot go on the sidetrack unless someone shifts the direction towards it and then off they go. Who shifts our direction? Well, the simple answer is that we do, but there are also all of those pesky little distractions in our lives that may or may not be sent by Satan.

I am more determined than ever to stay focused on my purpose in life. I think that I am a helper and that is what I want to focus on, not doing things for recognition (sidetrack), or for monetary benefit (sidetrack) or even for a prize of some kind from others (sidetrack). I just want to help and then go on to the next task that could use my help.

Let me give you a concrete example that happened recently. One of the authors for whom I help to launch books has her team members share graphics and/or create them. I have Canva so I create graphics frequently and I am better at it than when I first began since I have learned by trial and error what may or may not work. Anyway, this author gives points for these graphics and sharing them. Points can lead to rewards like gift cards. (Sidetrack) So, I decided to help others who cannot create graphics; I make graphics out of the quotations from the book that they provide. Then, they can share the graphic and get the points for it. One friend said she would mention me and give me credit for the graphic, but I told her not to do that because I am not turning in points this time. I am staying focused on my task of being a helper, not a winner of prizes.

Our granddaughter is totally focused right now on working towards her Master’s degree and getting ready for her August wedding. She left this morning about 4:30 to head to college for her every-other-weekend in-person classes. She studies and works on projects every afternoon when she gets home from her part-time job. She goes to bed early so she can get up and get busy the next day, or as in the case this morning, head out for her two and a half hour trip. She is a practicing Christian and takes time every morning for her devotional before she heads to work, so she is keeping her priorities straight. But her main focus right now is to get her degree in occupational therapy so that she can help others. I have no doubt that she will reach her goal because she is continuing forward with “her eyes on the prize.”

We need to pray and ask the Lord what He wants us to focus on. When I prayed, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me that I am to be a helper, in as many ways as I can given my advanced age and limited capabilities. My heart is on Christ as whatever I do, I do for Him. I don’t desire or seek earthly rewards. After all, they all perish. I just want to be a helper. I don’t remember a single scripture in which Jesus asked for remuneration or any kind of payback for His work that He did for others. He simply wanted them to go and tell what had happened so that others would believe. Jesus accepted their gratitude, although their thanks was not a prerequisite to receiving His blessing. I am not trying to compare myself to the Lord; rather, I am trying to emulate Him and just help out where I see a need.

This is my prayer today for me and for you. I hope that you will recognize what is worthy of your attention and keep your focus on God’s Word. That is what I am trying to do, and I hope that this post today is helpful to you and your walk with the Lord. God bless you.