The Art of Focus

My son is a very busy husband, father, and entrepreneur. Long ago, I learned how he strategically managed his life to be all-in with whatever he was doing or whoever he was with at any given time. He realized the importance of complete focus to any given situation by compartmentalizing. When in his business mindset, unless it’s an emergency, he won’t be distracted. I watch him set Friday nights as “date-night” with Shawntel and he only has eyes for her. While wearing his “father” hat, he is all-in at his boys’ games or events. His phone is not his priority.

I, too, have become skilled in the art of compartmentalizing my life. When in the work force, my employer and company had my full attention. But now, I get to pick and choose my attention focus. When I’m at church, my focus is on worship, praise and the message being brought from pastor. I even take notes so I don’t forget what I’m hearing. When I’m playing a community game with friends, they have my undivided attention. When I’m caregiving or spending time with my grands, my heart and eyes are on them and their sports activities and competitions. And the same with my children. They deserve my full attention when I’m spending time with them. My blogging is my early morning focus when I study, look up scriptures, recall an event and seek God for the words that just might boost someone’s day. When I am speaking into someone’s life, I stop everything in my world so that my thoughts, actions, and attention is on that one who I might be able to change their negative to positive thinking and believing. No other distractions are allowed.

There will be an end to a responsibility or project, and we can close the chapter on it and proclaim “success”. There are always seasons. Times when family or work need more attention. Busy and overloaded, multi-tasking moms and dads can make the most of compartmentalizing (focus) – like the drive to school – conversing and making every moment count together in that car ride. At mealtime – giving each other full undivided attention. That is intentional focus.

Compartmentalizing is also helpful with stress and worries. That’s one that often opens up to me in the middle of the night. I don’t welcome that compartment and I do my best to keep it closed and locked up. But when it opens, I’ve learned the best way to shut it down is to open up my “Think on these good things” compartment from Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

I think I hear Heavenly Father speaking: “Donna, will you give Me your FULL attention right now? I have something to share with you. Look at Me! See Me! Hear Me!” Maybe, He’s asking for your undivided, compartmentalized attention too! “Seek first the kingdom of God, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)