Have you ever had a spiritual experience while driving? If you’ve ever had a teenager with a Learner’s Permit, then I am sure you have. On the other hand, have you ever been behind the wheel and had one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments where everything just came into focus and made sense in a whole new way? 

Awhile back, I was leaving the church and was in a hurry because I had to be somewhere, and I was already late. Unfortunately, I got stuck at a red light, and as the interminable seconds ticked away, I noticed that the two other traffic lights up ahead of me were also red, which was making my face red! I thought, “At least they will all change at the same time, and then it will be smooth sailing to my destination.”

And then it happened. One light turned green, while the other two stayed red! These were unsynchronized lights. So, I pulled out into the intersection, consoled by the fact that at least the other two would be changing soon too. But, as I began to drive I noticed there seemed to be a lot of other cars still in the intersection. I thought. “How rude! Everybody is in a hurry! No one can wait! All these people running a red light!” I made a mental note of my superior driving abilities, – not to mention my apparent utmost respect for the law. 

Then, a funny thing started happening. Horns started blaring. Cars began coming to an abrupt halt. Mothers and children started diving for cover. I also noticed that all the other cars behind me -- were still back at the light! They hadn’t moved! Immediately, I realized what I had done. Sitting back there at the red light waiting to go, I had inadvertently focused on one of the traffic lights ahead of me instead of the one I was sitting at and waiting to turn green. When that “other” light turned green up ahead of me, I just gunned it, without realizing the light I was actually at was still red! I just saw “green” and thought “Go!” Thankfully, I didn’t cause an accident, because it was totally my fault. You see, I was focused on the wrong light! I was paying attention to the wrong thing. And though no harm came of it, – it could have been disastrous.

Focusing on the correct thing is important, isn’t it? It could be being focused on the right traffic light. Or, it might be paying attention when someone is trying to tell you something really important. Or, I could be just not letting your mind wander and being fully present where you’re at and with whom you’re with. 

Focus is absolutely critical in our relationship with God. You see, for Jesus, it’s all about the heart. When Jesus talks about our “hearts,” he isn’t simply referring to our emotions or the way we feel. He means everything about us, – our minds, our will, our intellect, and our emotions.  He means everything we are.  And he desires for us to have hearts that are only focused completely on him. May you stay focused this week, and have a one track mind for Jesus Christ.