What is the Point in all of this? In all that we do? And in all that we say? Who are we trying to be? Why are we doing what we are doing everyday? Why are we waking up drinking coffee and going about our day? Why?

I got a friendly reminder this morning as to what the whole point is. I’ve been so busy this past few months, between writing my book, working a full time job at Dole and the non-profit tasks that Standing On Stone brings, I am constantly on the go. Often it boils down to me having to prioritize and decide which task to do first. And on top of that, I have relationships that I want to maintain in my life – my friends, my mom, my brother, my girlfriend, co-workers, etc..I have lots of people that I genuinely want to build or continue to keep building relationships with but I always seem to have a full packed day. Then there’s the house; garbage disposal broke, light bulbs went out, it’s dirty, needs to be cleaned, the wind in the Valley is driving every dust (so it seems) into the house – all of which requires my attention. It’s like no matter where I go, there seems to be something else that needs to get done.

Trying to stay a float and on top of multiple things has become overwhelming at times but I am glad, very glad, for this mornings reading that I came across with.

Philippians 3:12-21: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

“All of us then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together following in my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

The apostle Paul reminded me this morning that just like him, I haven’t arrived at the finish line yet. “Brothers and sisters,” he said, “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul didn’t focus his energy towards his past, he didn’t let his failures dictate his future. Nor did he let his current success make him complacent. Instead, he kept pressing on.

He kept pressing on towards becoming more and more like Jesus.

Isn’t that the whole Point in all of this? As a Christian or a Catholic, we hold the responsibility in carrying that name, “Christ” onto our daily lives. Not just through our actions or through our words, but through our Being. Doing the deed doesn’t automatically make us Christ-like because remember, even a rapist or a murderer can give alms to the poor.

Being Christ-like is not just “things to do”, it requires our FULL active participation from the body, mind, heart and spirit to be SOLELY focused on Christ. It cannot “work” just by doing the deed. In fact, it can only “work” by not trying so hard that instead, letting our focus on Christ dictate the work for us.
“Keep your eyes on me” is what I heard in my morning prayers today. It’s very easy to get distracted from the whole Point. Sometimes even good positive deeds can be the distraction themselves. It’s our Focus and where our eyes are looking when we are doing the deed that is of the utmost importance. Are we really genuinely doing it for Christ or something else?

Lord God Heavenly Father we pray to you that we keep our eyes focused on the one example that you have sent down from heaven for us to follow, your son Jesus Christ. We also pray for all of our brothers and sisters who may not know Christ that they find their Christ as their example in their lives. May our own lives be an inspiration to them to turn towards you for your grace and glory. This we ask in Christ name, Amen.

Friends remember you are not alone. No matter what your Faith and or Belief is, even if you had none, it’s not a concern. There is just one thing and one thing that I care about and that is the fact that your life is ahead of you, not behind you. Your best is yet to come. We are in this life together. We simply have to learn to reach out and understand one another compassionately so that we can function as one. So if you are going through some rough times, reach out! Leave a comment, say something!

We’re here for you. You are NEVER alone – BELIEVE that.