The heart, middle, and core of it all,
That which I yearn to keep in focus.
It matters little what happens on the edges
For the crux of everything is at the Center.
We dress up the outside and forget all else
Let only the good show and hide the rest.
But you know what is most important,
It’s what is in the Middle. You’d better own it.
Step back, re-focus, and rethink your primary purpose.
Remember why you started this chase. Or is it a race?
Put your thinking cap on and question the circumstance.
What can you do to make it better?
Answers will come, but you better be ready to do. Why?
Doing produces results.
This past week, focusing on more of what was happening around me,
we experienced a moment, a refocus, to check on what was happening within.
My bride and I have been united for 49+ years,
and there’s more ahead of us.
But if the middle of your union has issues that can shorten it,
you had better rein in your focus and look to the middle.
When you said, “I do,” you better know what that means.
No matter the issue or challenge, you pull together to fix that
which could shorten your time to accomplish the goal.
The goal, you say? Sure.
All my immediate family older than me
have locked in 65, 70, and nearing 75 years together!
Can we do any less?
Before you worry about what’s happening,
Let me say it like this.
We will all learn what aging does to the body.
When you focus on one element, you forget another,
and a ringing chime may give you pause.
What on earth is happening over there?
Bring it into focus and call on the doctor.
All may be well, but something is going on.
So follow-up and be watchful.
Don’t stop what you’re doing.
I can go back to 2018 and recount these years in a flash.
What’s happened is still with me, which could be a distraction.
My bride can equal her recall, but they go back to 2003.
Yes. That’s when we moved here. God said go, and go, we went.
He’s in charge and knows what we can do. Nothing more than that.
Let me say, with all honesty, sometimes we get distracted.
The baubles and troubles around us change our focus.
But there are things you cannot ignore, nor should ever forget.
Life happens. Re-focus. Return to what matters.
There’s a core, a middle, your heart, so pay attention to it.
What’s our purpose? Center? Core? Middle of it all?
Can you put your finger on the heart of all that matters?
Pull out those vows. Consider the past.
Keep important what is,
And let everything else pause, pull over,
Let nothing interfere.
You will never be successful
When the middle has a need
And you ignore it.
We joined together in ’74,
And half a century is nearly done,
But there’s so much more on the plate.
It still needs to be lived,
We won’t let this worry slow us down.
Pick up the pieces.
Handle that which ails.
Reset the pace.
God has given us so much.
Let’s get back to the race.
Life? Here we come!
Philippians 4:4-9 NKJV
[Emphasis Mine]
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men.
The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything
by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren,
whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue
and if there is anything praiseworthy—
meditate on these things.
The things which you learned
and received
and heard
and saw in me,
these do,
and the God of peace will be with you.
Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!