There is a temptation and tension I face when the things around me are chaotic. My world right now feels like that. Everything in my life that gets my attention (my family, my work, my faith) feels out of balance. Nothing feels normal. The tension that I face in seasons like this is to speed up my life to match the perceived pace of the things around me. The problem is that when everything speeds up, making wise decisions becomes more difficult.
Often, when you listen to the interview of a rookie professional athlete they will be asked what was the greatest adjustment the had to make transitioning from college to the pros. Nearly all of them talk about the speed of the game. The talk about how difficult the process is to acclimate to the speed. The athletes are faster, the game is faster, and their decisions have to be made faster. Many of them will say that they only become comfortable when they learn to slow the game down. This requires that they learn to play faster and react faster, while learning to slow down the game in their mind to make better decisions.
They learn to focus on what is most important while not being overwhelmed by the chaos.
I am learning to do this in my own life, and I need this more than ever right now.
Ezra 7:10 is an encouragement to me in this process. “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”
Study. Do. Teach
A simple plan yet a purposeful plan. Ezra understood who he was and what was required of him. He had a high calling from the Lord, but one that was simple in execution . He was to study, do, and teach.
This is where I am trying to focus. I am tired, overwhelmed , and burdened by all the hurt, hate, and grief that is all around us. I am tired of a constant stream of bad news about our culture, and I am tired of the divisive attitudes of so many. I need a recharge and a refocus and these words from Ezra provide my gameplan.
I want to spend my days fulfulling my calling by studying God’s Word and His truths and learning to obey what His word says. And as I walk the journey of obedience, I pray His grace empowers me to teach those lessons to others.
If you are so inclined, I would appreciate your prayers as I refresh and refocus my life.
Maclane Forbus 