Focus

Today’s scripture: John 21:15-22 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Penny Dean):

When I first started doing yoga several years ago, one of the hardest things for me to learn was to focus. It didn’t matter if I was supposed to focus on my breathing or a spot on the wall, I would become distracted by thoughts (“What sounds good for supper?”) or things (usually the cat staring at me — why do they do that?)

The apostle Peter had the same problem — which is one reason I love him. Throughout the gospels we see this sunburned, smelly fisherman struggling to focus on what’s important: his relationship with Jesus.

A good example of this struggle is Peter’s brief walk on water. He was the only disciple who was brave enough to attempt it, but began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus.

In today’s reading, we see Jesus admonishing Peter to focus. Three times he tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.” Still Peter is distracted. He points to John and says, “What about him?” Jesus, in this last recorded conversation with Peter, replies, “…what is that to you? You must follow me.” In other words, “Focus on me. Not what’s going on with someone else, or something you need to do, or the cat.” Focus and you will walk on water. And do that difficult yoga pose.

Thought for the day: What’s distracting me from focusing on Jesus?

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.