Lately, things have grown complacent and boring. The first solution is to see the problem (I just made this up, but it sounds like some kind of profound, theological quote. With my luck, someone has already said it and I just don't know about it. Or someone thought about using it, but decided not to because it actually sucked. Sorry about this long superfluous parenthetical statement.)

Where was I? Oh yeah

Before a problem is solved, it has to be seen. My thoughts that have been lying dormant are slowly being roused from there sleep (sorry to break in once more, but you know those people who try to sound dark and poetic, and suck at it? Well I think I'm flirting with that unseen line. I don't think I'm going to get anywhere with this blog entry if I don't quit writing inside these parentheses. Sorry. Moving right along).

I think that it is possible to be cut off so long from quality conversation with friends that the things that are in your heart and mind that need to be said and then thought about, aren't. The longer you go without saying these things, the deeper they get buried. Lying underneath new thoughts, they are slowly forgotten.

Today as I talked with my pastor, I said some things that helped make sense of some of the problems in my life such as my complacency and boredom. It felt good to see signs of light at the end of the tunnel that I've been living in. With so much work and school, it was easy to think those things required my full focus and attention.

I was wrong in thinking this.

Thinking that I need to focus my energy on any area other than God is spiritually immature and one-sided. It is easy to think that if something needs attention, then put your attention on it. This is a common misconception. Life is made up only of distractions, and God is the only one thing that requires our whole focus. He then directs your feet on the path that he wants you to walk. In other words, if you focus on Him, he takes care of the rest.

This is talked about all through scripture and since I can't quite quote it to you and am too lazy to look it up, I'll paraphrase it:

-Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
-You direct me in the paths of righteousness
-Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart
-Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you
-Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.

Like Peter, when I'm away from the boat I have the power to walk on water, but when I focus on the waves I begin to sink.