Keeping our eyes focused on what really matters.

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“Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 3:13-14 God’s Word to the Nations

The last time I visited Mount St. Helens National Monument was twenty years ago and although life was returning to devastated land, there wasn’t much vegetation. However, small trees, shrubs and wildflowers are once again reclaiming the land, and all sorts of animals benefit from this reclamation, including this Cedar Waxwing.

Mt. St. Helens National Monument

Berries are the favorite food of Cedar Waxwings, yet they also eat insects. There were plenty of bugs flying around this bush on Johnston Ridge. Cedar Waxwings don’t sit still for very long and are hard to photograph. I was so focused on getting a decent picture that I didn’t notice the flying bug.

I don’t know if this bug escaped, but my guess is that it didn’t. This bird was intent on capturing a delectable snack.

It’s easy for us to lose focus.

We face many distractions that keep us from focusing on the goal of God’s call on our lives. Paul understood these distractions. He knew that he had to run straight toward the goal for which God had called him. That goal is being with Christ. It is the goal of leaving sin, death, and destruction in the dust to experience the loving embrace of our ever-present God.

This bird understood his survival depended on his next meal. Joining in the heavenly feast is the only thing that truly matters.

Heavenly Father, help us stay focused on what really matters. Keep us from being distracted by the temporary that we don’t miss the eternal. Through Jesus Christ. Amen

Picture and text copyright Douglas P Brauner