The Right Focus

We are often distracted and discouraged when we see better competitors and challenges ahead.

Focus on the goal, not the obstacles.

A few days before the cross country race, my daughter found out that only the top 15 of each level will get a trophy. There were more than 300 runners in each level and also there are many athletes among here peers. As she is not actively involving in any sport in school, she got a bit concern and sent me an SMS:

“Bad news. The cross country only top 15 get price for per level… And plus all the sport, so many already.”

In a race, it is not about your competitors, but yourself. You are running against the clock. So I told her to just do her best and enjoy the run. Winning is secondary. Focus on the end point and sense your performance along the way … start slow, build up and end strongly.

During the race day, I prayed for her. I hoped that she learnt a vital lesson from this run. The lesson is to do her personal best.

After the race, she texted us:

“EVERYONE I GOT 10 POSITION FOR CROSS COUNTRY THANK GOD”

I am happy for her.

As I reflect on this, a verse came to mind:

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrew 12:1,2)

In life, there will always be better competitors, insurmountable challenges, difficulties and trials. All these will test my faith. The way to run this race of life then is to fix my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Agape