Devotions for June, Entry 1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with the perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a

Turn my eyes to see your face, as all my fears surrender… (from Hillsong’s “Love is War”)
I was initially drawn to this lyric because I love the timbre of the singer’s voice, and the chord progression and layers and textures at that moment in the song (read: music geek extraordinaire) and it actually took several subconscious listenings before I really heard the words.

I have trouble focusing sometimes.

I don’t have ADD or anything. I can easily be swept up in a movie or listen to a patient talk for 10-15 minutes uninterrupted. But I have a tendency to let my mind wander, particularly when I’m driving, or running, or when I’m tired and talking on the phone to my patient boyfriend who lets me lead him on the most amazingly long rabbit trails.

I have trouble focusing on God. Particularly when I need him most. I’ve gotten really good at googling questions, or venting to friends, or the most dangerous option – entering the black hole that is my own thoughts, when I should simply ask, “God? What should I do?”

I decided to write devotions for June because, for personal and professional reasons, this month is going to be a little long and a little hard. And rather than medicating with Netflix and Pinterest, I want to stay focused on the one true source of peace: God. If you think you might need this too, feel free to come alongside me.

I will try to keep things short because, hey, we’re all way too busy. Also, each entry will have a p.s. at the end because I have to be witty and/or snarky somewhere! Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow!

p.s. I was thinking of naming these devotions some cute rhyming name, but none of the words that rhyme with June (according to RhymeZone) were inspiring and at the same time made sense. I decided to stick with “Devotions for June” because sometimes you have to weigh functionality against aesthetic, and functionality just seemed more important. However, I’m not going to deprive you the joy of knowing that the two awesomest things that rhyme with June are contrabassoon — and meteorological balloon. You’re welcome.