Monday, July 2, 2012

Horse Blinders

I clutched Grandma's hand as we stood at the side of the road watching the parade pass by. I noticed one of the horses had a different "bridle". When I asked Grandma what those things were over the horses eyes she said, "blinders". Hmmmmm
My six year old brain went into overdrive. "Do they want the horse to go blind?"
Grandma assured me that was not the case. And in fact, she went on to say, "it's to help the horse stay focused."
This morning during my prayer time my mind kept wandering. As I went down through the people in my prayer journal, I would pray for them, and then I found my mind wandering to my "to do list". Or to conversations I had with this person or that person. I finally made it through all the list, but felt sad that I wasn't able to stay "focused".
I wondered if "blinders" might help me. 
It was then I realized the solution. Just call out His name........whenever my focus starts to shift away from Him.
It worked this morning. 
Psalms 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge-do not give me over to death.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful illustration...and perfect scripture! That was me today, needed my blinders!!!

Carol J. Garvin said...

Blinders might have been a good idea for me during these past ten-or-so days. Travelling the three hours to and from my aunt's hospital took big chunks out of every day and it seemed like nothing else got done. I couldn't focus beyond those daily trips. This morning she was discharged (halleluia!!) and I felt a little lost, not having to make the drive this afternoon. Time to catch up around here now.

Before I tackle all the undone chores, however, I need to take some time to just focus on all that God has done in our lives this week... to "fix my eyes upon Jesus" and give thanks. Thanks for the good reminder, Katt.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Deb,
You're not a robot! ha ha! you made it!

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol,
I'm so happy your Aunt is home. Wow, three hours to and from wears you out. Praying you get some much needed rest.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

The distraction to my morning devotions lately is pain. I enjoy reading my Bible and journaling while in bed. My sciatic nerve doesn't like it at all.

For me, the solution is a change of location.