Focused on the Right Things

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” – Proverbs 19:20-21

Angelica dropped the bundle of groceries on the counter and tried to overlook the morning dishes in the sink, as she started toward her bedroom to change clothes. She stopped short—startled to see her mother-in-law, Helen, standing in the hall. Stifling her surprise, she greeted her with a hug.

“Oh,” she said. “I didn’t realize you were already here.”

Helen noticed Angelica’s frazzled heart. “Honey, are you okay?” she asked. “Here, let’s sit down,” she said, as she motioned to the kitchen table.

Hot tears slid silently down Angelica’s cheeks. Helen waited for her to speak. “I had such great plans for your visit,” she began. “But every plan I put in motion …” her voice quivered. “I wanted the house cleaned, everything in place and ….”

Helen smiled. “I know you wanted all that, but none of those things matter. There’s always dirty dishes, beds to be made, and laundry to do. It’s more important to share the time we have together. No one will remember how clean your house is, or isn’t. The most important things we take away are the time we invest in one another.”

Angelia listened intently to Helen’s wise advice and realized she needed to change her focus, not just for Helen’s visit, but in the way she approached life. “Thanks, Helen,” she said as she leaned in and hugged her.

Sometimes the things that seem important at the time aren’t really the focus God desires you to have. When has advice from someone in your life given you a new perspective?

Today’s One Thing

Take some time to breath deep and look at the things you give your highest priority, then ask God for His wisdom to focus on the right things.

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