DAY 127 -- FOCUS

As I read my Book of Mormon today, I read those infamous Isaiah chapters.  I always read through them quickly feeling that there isn't much in there that will touch me.  Dumb, I know.  Really dumb.  Well this morning, I read things I have read many times before.  But this time I felt the "spirit" of the book.  I pondered that Nephi put those chapters in there for our day, for me.  He was touched by the Spirit of revelation to include those Isaiah chapters for our/my benefit.

I slowed down and started reading them more purposely.  I don't pretend to say that I started understanding everything I read that was written in Isaiah.  But I did feel a special feeling of Father telling me that He was pleased that I was reading and the concept that it was His book.  I read things that told me that His purposes will roll forth, no unhallowed hand shall prevent His work from progressing, etc.  (I have heard that somewhere, I am sure.)  If I change my focus, perhaps things may change.

So on the way to work this morning, I realized that my focus had been on what I don't have, rather than what I do have.  I have been worried that I am not appreciated, I am not being paid according to my abilities, I am not understood, etc.  I have been frustrated that things are not going as I planned them.  I have been focusing on the negative, those things that could and have made me lamenting on what could have been, or should be.  But as I read my scriptures this  morning, I realized that I should be focusing on things as they are and realize that there are great blessings as they are.  Why get depressed on things as I think they should be?  Why not be joyful and peaceful with things as they are?

Sure, I don't have many things that we would love to have, but I do have many things to be thankful for.  It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about me, it is what Father thinks about me and how I act and react with what I do have.  As I focus on Father and His will in my life and the lives of those that live with me, are in my family, and those I associate with, then I forget those things that could, and often do, make me sad and lonely, frustrated and angry.

So, I need to readjust my focus.  There are so many miracles all around me.  There are so many things to be grateful for.  And if I start thinking about things that are important to Father, feelings, testimonies of others, how I can uplift others, how I can smile at others and shock them and change their day, etc, I will start to feel joy that Father is with me, touching my mind and those things that are not as I would have them.  Focus on the good stuff and then there will be more good stuff to focus on.