God, Me, and Us – Part ISample

It’s Time to Reset

In today’s fast-paced society, the concept of “time together” extends far beyond physical presence. It’s about where we direct our focus and attention, especially in our relationships with God, ourselves, and others.

This challenge is encapsulated in the term “Continuous Partial Attention,” coined by Linda Stone, a former consultant for Microsoft and Apple. This state of constant, partial engagement with multiple tasks means we’re never fully present in any one situation. This scattered attention hampers our experiences, relationships, and spiritual growth. Have you felt this before? Does your family get your full attention? What about your friends or even your job? Ultimately, how much attention does God receive?

Facing this reality, we are invited to embrace a simple motto: God, me, us. Prioritizing God paves the way for internal healing and personal development, which in turn strengthens our connections with others. This concept is vividly illustrated in the biblical passage with Peter walking on water). As long as Peter maintains his focus on Jesus, he treads confidently on the water, but the moment distractions creep in, he starts to sink. This story metaphorically reflects our daily struggle with distractions and the importance of maintaining focus.

The country song "Country Again" by Thomas Rhett captures a similar sentiment. It articulates a longing to return to our roots, to the simplicity and focus that often get lost in the complexities of modern life. The song acts as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, highlighting the need to periodically reassess and refocus on our fundamental values and relationships.

Where do we allocate our attention? Are we trapped in a cycle of continuous partial attention, or are we fully engaged in our moments with God, ourselves, and those around us? Our calling is to lead intentional lives, consciously choosing where to place our focus. Such choices enable us to lead more meaningful lives, anchored in what truly matters.

Let this be a call to action - to evaluate and possibly realign where we direct our attention. In doing so, we enrich our own lives and positively impact those around us. Let's strive to be fully present in every aspect of our lives, embracing each moment with clarity and purpose as we follow Jesus.