Saturday, September 29, 2007

the big picture

I think one of our difficulties in life is keeping our eyes on "the big picture". What I mean is we get zeroed in on one aspect of the picture and that can become for us "the big picture", but in doing that, of course, we lose sight on what it really is.

And let me add that it's so easy for us to lose focus. Yes, at the drop of a hat, practically. Though we need to be growing so that characteristically it's harder and harder for us to lose focus, and when we do, we quickly refocus. Though one thing I've learned is that when I lose focus- one example is when I hardly realize I have lost it, it can be much harder to get back on track than I would imagine. This isn't just about seeing, but living.

But we need to look at the big picture from God found in scripture, God's word. And we need to learn to keep our focus on that, daily. Jesus is at the center, and the work of the triune God is mediated through him. The picture is the same, but is seen a little differently by each of us according to the special person God made us to be, and perhaps certain things stand out to us due to the seasons and circumstances of life through which we are passing.

But the point here for us is focus, and seeing the whole with Jesus in the center. I need to do that, and I need to ever be open to God to help me see things as he wants me to. I find myself often in need of corrections along the way.

What about you? What would you say about "the big picture"?

10 comments:

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

hey - I'll be back to read and comment later - off to work now but wanted to let you know I left you a comment on your comment on my blog.

thanks for your comments as usual - you are tender-hearted clearly.

hope you have a great day - I get to dress in real work clothes, no jeans today, and sit in lectures all morning.

Desert Pilgrim said...

Such a great post, truly we all need to stick to the "one thing needful". Hope you are doing well.
Blessings.

Anonymous said...

What about you? What would you say about "the big picture"?

hi ted,
there is so much going on around me, much faster than i can keep up with, much of it distracting.

i do try to focus in on one thing about God in a way i think to try to understand for my self and to get a hold on things for myself...instead of just looking to God for Him to lead me through the ever changing maze of distraction.

that is part of the untruth that the enemy would have us believe about life...that we will figure it out and then be able to cope, with it all, on our own.

the truth is that we will never figure out God and be done with it, and be able to move on our own. the best thing we can do, is what Jesus told us to do, which was "follow me".

it is like going down a path to the Father, and to get lost off of this path is death.

now, we can not see very far down the path because it is in a fog. there are some advertisements and signs of what is ahead, but we can not see the actual places for ourselves.

if we look at Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, our guides, we will be lead to the right paths and the right places for us. otherwise we are just little lost sheep in the woods.

so, God is the one that has the big picture...

and i am the one that does not.

So, i am following God.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Thanks Susan, Kind of challenging as I'm challenged in maintenance or in home projects, something I'm trying to do and complete right now. It was good even if challenging. Hope your day was as well, and thanks.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Desert Pilgrim, Great to hear from you and read your new post! Thanks and the same to you, as well.

Yes, the one thing needful. And I don't want to just go through the motions in doing that, as I attempt to do at times.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy, I like your point. Truly it is God alone who sees the big picture. And so we're simply to follow.

God does give us to see, I believe, something of that big picture through the story given to us in Scripture. And we find our true indentity in that and learn who God is- and all of this primarily through and with Jesus being the focal point. We're to learn to see all reality and our lives through Jesus, somehow. A challenge sometimes for me, and really in a true sense ever a challenge when we consider him.

Anonymous said...

ted,

i can see your meaning about scripture...

the Holy Spirit speaks to us, teaches us and guides us when we read the word.

Halfmom, AKA, Susan said...

slow and steady wins the race - focusing our eyes on Jesus the author of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the shame and is seated at the right hand of the Father

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy, Amen.

Susan, Good way to put it and look at it, and that passage fits the thought here well. Both our focus and our life. And it's an endurance race, a marathon, life-long. May we pray for and cheer each other on. Thanks for the passage and thought.

Ted M. Gossard said...

...and I meant, may we all pray for each other, and cheer each other on.