Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
“We’re focusing more on the needles than the tree!” I told my husband.
Our Christmas tree had barely passed the one-week mark when the needles started dropping. Every morning (and evening) we witnessed a new pile of needles on the floor beneath our Blue Spruce. Chip even kept a broom and dustpan next to the tree for quick clean-ups! As the season progressed, we seemed to be spending more time complaining about the fallen needles than we did enjoying the beautiful tree with its shining lights and memory-laden ornaments.
One morning a friend came over for coffee. As she admired our tree, I attempted to qualify her praise by pointing out the needles on the floor. She responded, “I think we’re all losing some needles.” Her remark rang so true. Don’t many of us find ourselves tiring more easily, forgetting things more frequently and experiencing the many signs of growing older?
I know I do. But I realize I have a choice. I can either dwell on the areas where I’m lacking or focus on the beautiful realities of the present. I can stare at the falling needles or be grateful for the tree.
Most of life is like that, isn’t it? We can pay more attention to the disappointments than the joys. In fact, I think letting the bad parts of life overshadow the good comes quite naturally for us fallen creatures.
The fall of man introduced life filled with fallen needles.
Jesus certainly had a lot of fallen needles that could have distracted him from the bigger picture. He experienced rejection and ridicule. Even his disciples misunderstood him. He encountered death, loneliness, betrayal and sorrow. This, all before the crucifixion when his Father responded to his gut-wrenching plea: No, there was no other way. He endured it all because he kept his eyes on the joy set before him. All the fallen needles in his life were overshadowed by the brilliance of the Purpose.
Friend, as you begin this new year, don’t let whatever limitations, disappointments and difficulties you encounter steal your focus. Keep looking at the tree, not the falling needles.