After dealing with my distractions and taking time out to regain my focus on my priorities the one word that I will use to describe last week, Week 2 of the Challenge is: Focused.
By getting rid of my distractions I was able to un-clutter my life, spiritually as well as mentally and physically ,and because of this I am now able to focus on the things that matter most to me.
Let me clarify what I mean.
Spiritually – I am more focused and intentional about what I’m doing and why.   I was doing a whole lot of work but not getting results. But truly there is only need for one or a few things and I choose to find my few and focus on them. What I mean by this is that I would rather study a few Scriptures and learn how to apply them to get the results I want and need (60 or 100 fold return) then to use my time studying many things, reading many books, listening to many teachers and get no results or only a 30 fold return, (see Mark 4).  You can’t retain what you don’t give time to take root.
So, I boiled it down to what I need to move forward in the areas of my life I really need to work on right now.  Learning how to apply and do these few God-life instructions are doing more for me coupled with my intimate time with the Lord than all the books, cds, and dvds on all my shelves put together, (I have years of teaching tapes packed away I’m packing up to give away before the week is out). Again, cleaning out my space.
Mentally – Because I’m not trying to do so many things at once my mind is clearer and I can focus on the things that are important to me. Nobody and nothing is taking up space in my head but those things I decide to let in. Mainly, God, His Word, and my daily responsibilities which I have cut in half by becoming clearer about what I want in life.
Physically – Now that I’m no longer taking on too much I’ve had time to clear out my personal, physical space. Because of this I feel refreshed and rested. I’ve been sleeping easier and longer, eating better and exercising more. I have more energy too.
All these things work together.
My mind is clearer and my spirit is more aware because I have more energy and I’m well rested. This in turn allows me to be able to tune in when I pray and stay focused when I’m working on something.
All of this because I was willing to do an honest assessment of where I was, identify where I want to be, let go of things that weren’t working and holding me back, and then create and implement a plan to work on my newly identified goals.
The question is: Will I keep it up after the challenge? It’s been a long time since I’ve actually done this surrendered balance /busy to balance challenge myself.  I’ve been so busy doing I forgot to take my own advice. Surrendered Balance as a lifestyle actually works! This week I will be working on ways to stay focused after the challenge and make myself accountable.
How was your Week 2? Let me know on Facebook or comment on the blog.
Leave a Reply