If you’re like me, it takes some focus to stay in your lane. When I drive, if I dare to glance at my phone or lift my sunglasses to see the radio dial – I know better than to trust that I will stay between those yellow lines.
It’s too easy to drift off towards the left or the right. Looking at my phone is soo tempting, and I’ve been scared enough by drifting, that sometimes I’ll intentionally toss my phone out of reach. Honestly, it’s good to be on guard. Staying a little nervous is sometimes helpful. I call it a “healthy fear.”
When my second son was a baby, he would cry and cry when he was in the car for long periods of time. I remember when he was about six months old I drove 2.5 hours to visit Nana and Grandpa. After a nice visit, as the boys and I said our goodbyes, my dad issued a warning, “Don’t be messing with the baby if he cries. Keep your eyes on the road.” Under my breath I muttered, “Sure Dad. I’m a mom.” Well, Dad was right. I remember that car ride home some 24 years later. He did cry. And I contorted my body, stretching my arm to place the binky in my baby’s mouth…all the while concentrating on keeping my eyes on the road. I think I even ended up pulling over to the side of the road at one point.
At the time, what sounded like callousness from my dad, was protection for his daughter and grandsons. He was right and I knew it. If I didn’t keep my eyes on the road I could easily drift into someone else’s lane.
Today I want to talk about staying in your lane. Lately I’ve been hearing this phrase more and more often. It’s funny how some phrases become popular.
What does it mean to stay in your lane?
Simply put – it means to focus on your goal, keep the faith, and above all finish strong.
Take a minute to think about it:
Focus –
on the goal that God has set before you. For me, that goal is to write, write and keep writing. And concentrate on not being distracted, discouraged or defeated (by others or myself). It’s easy to get distracted by a good idea, or a good deed, or a good insult. ☹
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
Faith –
in the God who called you. God places desires in your heart. Pursue them. Trust Him – that He will walk you through the journey and use your circumstances to polish you.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Finish –
the race set before you. Don’t be distracted – keep your eyes on the Lord and what He is orchestrating in your journey for you to learn. Persist and persevere. Finishing a goal is a big WIN!
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12: 1b-2
God is faithful. He will walk you through.
Remember friend:
He who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Sometimes keeping your eyes on the goal keeps you in your lane more than anything else. Stay focused on God’s calling and who He is, and He will escort you to where you want to be!
I’d love to read about what’s going on in your world! Feel free to leave a comment or linkup below! Have a great week friend!
Please be sure to visit other friends in our party and I’d love if you’d follow me – I will be sure to return the favor!
Michele Morin says
Well, this was certainly spot on for me, Char. In these busy days, my eyes are all over the place, and it’s easy to get a cluttered heart from it all. Thanks for this simple and yet extremely biblical and sound counsel.
Char says
Hi Michele, Thanks for popping in & linking up. Clutter is a great word for the chaos that is created when we lose focus!
Sue Donaldson says
I always love this phrase and usually need hearing it – in this world of comparison and social media,I hear something and think, hmmm…maybe I need to move over and do that instead. You are a writer and a good one. (read that last line again – it will keep you between the lines.) sue
Sue Donaldson says
ps and i like a short blog and clear and nicely laid out – great job!
Char says
You have no idea Sue…. thank you. I needed that. This post is for me more than anyone. I just have to constantly focus on what God has called me to do and let Him deal with the results. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me!!
Lisa notes says
This is so true:
“Honestly, it’s good to be on guard. Staying a little nervous is sometimes helpful. I call it a “healthy fear.””
Whenever I have a near miss, I take it as a wake-up call (and grace!) to pay closer attention. My “lane” the past couple of years has been focusing more on time with just me my husband since our daughters graduated from college and found their mates. But now my oldest is pregnant for the first time so our lane will be widening to add in a grandchild! 🙂
Char says
Congratulations Lisa!! I can’t imagine the excitement of anticipation!! When’s the baby due?!
Edie says
Yes! I went from working one full-time job to now being a work-at-home mom with a blog and three part-time jobs (not including taking care of my four year old). It can be so hard to stay focused and not get overwhelmed.
Char says
Honestly, I have so many ideas that pop up in this head of mine – I need to focus on staying focused! It sounds like you have a lot going on!!
Natalie says
The Lord has really been speaking to me about this very thing! I have listened to a few podcasts on the subject, read it during my morning devotions, and discussed this with a good friend. I can easily get distracted from my focus and be all over the place. Thank you for this sweet reminder of my focus, my faith, and the finish xoxo
Char says
Thanks for stopping by Natalie! t is too easy to be distracted by good and bad things alike. Have a great week.
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thanks so much for hosting. Enjoy your week!
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard says
It’s helpful to remember for boundaries too. My lane is my responsibility in Christ. I don’t need to be in other lanes. Just focus on my mission! Good post! Thanks
Char says
It’s a good reminder when we have so much pulling at us. Thanks for stopping by Jen!
Char says
So true. Just focus on my mission…. 🙂
Debbie Putman says
Focus, faith, finish. And in that order. Thank you for these beautiful reminders.
Char says
My pleasure! I need it as much as anyone!
Alexis says
I really needed this reminder today. I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed and distant from God but this confirmed that I have too many distractions. Thank you for allowing God to use you.