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How easy it is to forget to look into the eyes of the people you love! Maybe your child begs you to go on a bike ride, and you barely glance up from the project you brought home from work. Your spouse tries to explain a new investment plan, but your eyes never leave the vegetables you're chopping for tonight's dinner. A friend drops by to plan a surprise party for another friend, but, to be honest, you're exhausted and your eyes are focused on the television while she talks.

If you've made commitments to your employer, it's important to honor them. If you let your child's needs keep you from meeting obligations you've agreed to, you need to find a way to avoid that conflict. Perhaps someone can babysit for you while you complete your task.

But it's important to open your eyes and focus on the people you love—and that requires discipline. It takes wisdom to realize that those you love are a feast for the eyes—one of the most crucial elements of your life.

David was in the midst of delight over a successful military campaign when the death of Saul and Jonathan told him it was time to change his focus. He turned his time of celebration to mourning and honored them with a song. David seemed to have a good sense of when it was time to work hard and when it was time to focus on people. (See also Exodus 23:10-13; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Matthew 14:22-23.)

I am distressed for you, my brother, Jonathan. 2 Samuel 1:26

What things or people should receive more of your focus?

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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