Focus Friday: Let's Focus on Your Best Thing

One snowy morning, I didn't get the message that our exercise group was cancelled until I got over to church. I decided to pull out a 50 minute Taebo workout and do it by myself.

We must have only done the first half hour or so because I got to things I didn't remember. I made it to the end and was pleasantly surprised to see Billy gather his workout buddies and end with a short pep talk. Among other things, he asked, "What's your best thing? My best thing is my mind and my will."

I showed the end of the video at Fresh Hope on Thursday night after we talked about how important exercise is for our brains. I asked "What's your best thing?" and waited for answers. One member answered right away: My creativity. Another member had to think, but they had one, too: My ability to hang in there and keep going. Another said: My influence on others.

Then they looked at me. "What's your best thing?" they asked.

I wasn't having a very good day mentally, so I fumbled around for an answer before mumbling, "My writing, I guess."

Gary asked if he could suggest something else. "Your caring," he stated. "You really care about people and that's a good thing."

That shocked me, especially on a day when I was struggling and didn't feel like I cared about much of anything. But as we talked I realized he was right. On my good days, I do care. I care a lot. I want to encourage others and teach others and inspire others to love God like I do. My writing helps me accomplish that sometimes, but maybe the caring really is my best thing.

I'm not sharing that to be all braggy about how caring I am. I'm telling you that so you realize that maybe what you think is your best thing really isn't. If you're not sure, ask someone who knows and loves you. They can help you figure out what your best thing is and whether you're using it well.

Don't compare yourself with someone else's best thing. God made each of us unique so all of us are going to have our own best thing. Be aware of that and celebrate what makes you special.

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else," (Galatians 6:4 NIV)

What is your best thing? How can focusing on God help you to figure that out and use it for His glory?