Focus On The Spaces
Several years ago during my college days, I would frequently run on the outskirts of town (Laramie, WY). Ongoing residential construction started to shift the landscape and the amount of debris on the road, and one day I found my feet headed toward a section of roadside scattered with rocks of various sizes and shapes.
I couldn't scoot over because movement to the right meant I would be facing oncoming traffic and movement to the left would place me in a muddy and weedy field. So, I stayed the course. However, my focus turned to the rocks strewn everywhere and the concern I might twist my ankle.
And that is exactly what happened.
Within a few minutes I clumsily pounded a rock with my right foot with the velocity of a runner's momentum and dropped to my knees.
I really hurt. And I could barely walk (but had to, ever so gingerly, to get back to my apartment).
I was mad.
I was confused.
I was embarrased.
And now, I was on "run rest" for the next few weeks until my ankle strengthened. Grrrrr.
I was also about to be taught an important lesson...
During this time of recovery, I was reading a magazine article about competitive mountain bikers. An instructive statement in the middle of this piece stuck with me forever. As bikers head down a rocky, tumultous path at break-neck speeds, they are markedly aware of obstacles in their path. However, they focus on the spaces in between the obstacles, the moments when their tires can touch a safe space of ground that will move their bikes and bodies forward toward their goal. And by nature of their quest and commitment, these competitors must be in this mindframe of focusing on the spaces every minute of their race.
And the light turned on. I had been focusing on the rocks - the obstacles which I feared might cause me harm. And because of my focus, the harm I hoped to avoid was the exact result delivered.
Gratefully, the sprained ankle healed and I have been able to run ever since. Yet, the past 3 decades of continued running since this experience has been different.
I focus on the spaces.
Whether it's running, riding my own bike (no, I'm not racing down any mountains), hiking, driving, or any other type of movement - I purposefully focus on the spaces between the obstacles. Awareness of potential dangers remain. Yet, if I'm to reach my desired destination, my focus must be riveted on the spaces which will propel me forward.
This college lesson wasn't - and still isn't - just about running. It's about the obstacles and dangers and unpleasant twists and turns you and I have experienced and will continue to experience in life.
The path will never be clear.
Our desires, our goals, our purposes may be clear. A commitment to step onto the path and move forward may be clear. And we can have clear assurance that our path is exactly where we need to be.
But plan on a path full of rocks and boulders and fallen logs and seemingly impossible obstacles that require strategy, patience, courage, and hope.
And then, FOCUS ON THE SPACES.
The next best step or move.
The spot of security and grounding.
The moment of respite and relief.
The light in the dark.
The good things that bring a smile.
The faith and resilience you have built through other difficult experiences in life.
The action that is fueled by hope, knowing that your path will lead you to your desired destination, if you press forward.
SEEKING SPACES IN OUR WORLD
I created this "Inspire Love" Blog to focus on the concepts and language of truth, beauty, goodness, and excellence. And without realizing it at the time of its inception, these important concepts are needed "spaces" as we navigate our lives in an increasingly dark world.
Most of us are accutely aware of the obstacles in the world toward a happy & fulfilled life. Addictions, mental & physical health challenges, financial hardships, and natural disasters are wreaking havoc in our communities. And deceit, lies, and vicious attacks upon the foundations of family and civil society continue to escalate.
We need to be aware of these eroding and corroding obstacles. And we need to be willing to stay on the path, despite the exhaustion and exasperation we feel in the presence of gigantic obstacles.
Yet, we can navigate this treacherous path, and even lead other to do the same, IF we will FOCUS on the "spaces" - on truth and beauty and goodness and excellence. This is where change and transformation happens - through our focus and subsequent actions.
As one who is unequivocally a fighter more than a lover, focusing on spaces is a principle I continue to learn. I'd rather "show the rock what I'm made of." (Yeah, that didn't go so well for my ankle.) I'd also rather punch back at those in our society who seek to force controlling and freedom-denying policies and plans. And more often than not, I'd gladly stand an argue with whatever unpleasant obstacle on my path exists that I feel is doing more harm than good. Yet, I do not move forward when I take my focus off the spaces that lead me to my goal.
The fight is won when we focus on the spaces of light that our Creator has set in our path. Weakness and evil are overcome when we continue to choose those spaces that lead to victory. And what we focus on grows.
Can you imagine an individual, a family, a neighborhood, a community, and a nation who recognize the dangers and evils and obstcles surrounding them and determine to fight by focusing on truth? And beauty? And goodness? And excellence - in choices and habits and character?
It's possible, friends.
And this is my invitation to you - begin to focus on the spaces in your life that are filled with light. Place your next step there. Be courageous and move forward in hope, despite the dark and fierce obstacles. And bring someone with you. Show them how to focus on the spaces in their own lives.
Over the next four months, we will discuss how focusing on the "spaces" of truth and beauty and goodness and excellence will help us fight and win and overcome and transform.
I'm excited to be on this journey with you. We can change a world that tears down, and binds, and destroys into a place that lifts, and empowers, and creates. Will you please come be part of this movement and community?
Always remember -
You are strong, you are divine, you are beautiful, you are worthy, and you are loved.
Lovingly,
