I know you’re a busy person. You’ve got appointments. Calls to make. And people to see. Not to mention (but I will) mouths to feed and broken things to fix. And you gotta do all this while bad things happen all around the world. It’s maddening. It’s saddening. And it’s almost more than a mere human being can bear. So, you might not have time for me to share 8 things you can focus on to keep the God of peace with you.

But they’re only 8 things to focus on. Surely you can at least consider ’em.

After all, your joy and your life depend, a lot, on where your focus is. I know that you know that you were designed by the one true, living, loving God. And you know you were created to live and love. That makes sense. Right?

So, it only stands to reason that He knows what you need to function at optimum levels. And that’s why I’m gonna share 8 things He says you can focus on so that “the God of peace will be with you.”

1. True things: No matter how many people might prefer to think otherwise, there truly are some things that are just plain true. Like, how the sun “rises” in the East and “sets” in the West. Our atmosphere is full of oxygen which our lungs so vitally need. Water is essential to life. And your thoughts have no form and substance. (but they do exist every bit as much as you exist)
2. Noble things: Picture an old gentleman whose wife passed away. But instead of locking himself inside an empty house, he goes to others in similar circumstances and listens to their problems.
3. Fair things: Remember times when the “good guys” win. Look for opportunities to help the “good guys” win. And don’t forget that justice is inevitable. Even if it comes much later than you’d like.
4. Pure things: Imagine a little, newborn baby just home from the hospital sleeping soundly in that brand new crib. Or the couple who “saved themselves for marriage” standing at the altar. And pure crisp air blowing through cloudless and deep blue skies.
5. Lovely things: A summer bouquet of fresh-cut flowers in a cobalt, blue vase. The sunlight sparkling in the verdant green of your lover’s eyes. And an old couple who still hold hands as they stroll through the neighborhood.
6. Good news: Your son is coming home from his tour of duty overseas. Your best friend’s wife has overcome a battle with a disease. And that organization you support just received a donation that will propel them to victory.
7. Virtue: Concentrate on being the husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter your loved ones need. Own up to shortcomings. Love your neighbor as yourself. And, always remember, do unto others as you’d prefer to have done to you.
8. Praiseworthy things: Don’t forget to compliment the little kid who painted a picture or picked some flowers just to show his love. Give a bear hug to the young singer who just gave her all but placed last in her vocal competition. And try to find and remember a politician who actually kept his or her campaign promises. Especially the ones where lives are at stake.

Well, there you have 8 simple things to focus on.

Take your eyes off the trials and tribulations of your everyday life. They’ll always be here in this life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look up, with a heart filled with gratitude. And help others do that, too.

Choose joy and life and love
Because they’re yours to choose.
Drop angry ugly moods.
What do you have to lose?

Well, you could lose your soul
Forever to the dark
Recesses of despair,
Where anguish makes its mark.

So sing those kinds of songs
That show the attitude
Reflected in your heart
Filled up with gratitude.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

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