The smartphone can do it. The timer on the microwave can do it. The dog outside can, too. (The list could go on if you reached for a pen to add to it.)
So, what gets your attention?
So, what gets your attention?
Sights: flashing lights, barricades, an official-looking envelope in the mailbox.
Smells from the stove, the bubbling geyser at Yellowstone, popcorn at the theater.
Pain: from your elbow, stubbing your toe, owwie from a mosquito.
Time to look and consider. How do you do that?
Time to look and consider. How do you do that?
A word pops into your head or a name comes to your mind.
A list of TO DO on your computer.
A display of cupcakes at the grocery store.
Time to take action. Time to . . . .
You fill in your own ideas here.
Some things get too much attention. You can certainly think of words to add under that category!
Zero in— for a minute— on what the effects of some bad weather or some news of war somewhere in the world has on your otherwise nearly normal day.
We all know people who ignore the evening news, the daily radio news, the computer news sources. It’s easier to play around with social media, make wisecracks on other websites, and otherwise keep entertained with the latest naughty movies and TV programs.
But does that make sense? Is it logical to ignore other people’s troubles or to deny any possibility of trouble happening really near to here?
If bad news wrinkles your forehead or turns your hair stark white overnight perhaps you have a reason to keep your focus on your very own happiness, your own growing success.
And here’s the point of this piece: down through the years of history there have been warnings prior to all kinds of serious problems to individuals, to areas, to nations.
Consider this: the Bible tells of God permitting circumstances to serve as warnings of worse things to come. It was to prompt people to look at how bad attitudes, bad actions, bad words cause trouble. This was to alert men and women to repent of what they’ve done wrong, and turn to Him for the wisdom, strength, and protection that He can give.
This also is an alert to pray for other people — that they realize they need the LORD.
If we don’t own up to the fact we’ve made incorrect choices we won’t even recognize that unusual word, forgiveness. Being forgiven by God is an amazing blessing. Life is too short to goof it up.
By Elaine Hardt ©2014
