Follow Through

Compare a golfer attempting a critical putt with a basketball player attempting a critical free throw. For the golfer, the crowd is silent, and he is allowed to concentrate. For the basketball player, the opposing crowd yells and waves their arms, trying to distract him.

Life is a lot more like that basketball game - for their are distractions galore any time we try to accomplish anything of significance.


Read Luke 2:1-5 and think about what that journey must have been like for Mary and Joseph.


If you go see the movie The Nativity, you will gain a new appreciation of what that journey must have been like.


The account in Matthew 1:18-25 especially helps us to see Joseph's perspective.


Both Joseph and Mary could have been tempted to give up. But the angel spoke to each of them - helping them to gain a godly perspective - and to resist the temptation to be distracted.

Golfers and basketball players must follow through in order to be successful. The same is true for us.

Our task is not nearly so difficult as that faced by Joseph and Mary, but our challenge is the same - to manage the inevitable distractions.


Ask yourself:

What is it that keeps ME from that which truly honors God?

Don't settle for anything less than that which truly keeps a focus on Christ and honors him!


Read these words by author Henri Nouwen:

I realized that songs, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and sweet words to not make Christmas. Christmas is saying "Yes" to something beyond all emotions and feelings. Christmas is saying "Yes" to a hope based on God's initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God's work and not mine.


May the words of this prayer be a blessing to you:

Grant to us, Lord, that with peace of mind
we may face all that this new day is to bring.
Grant us grace
to surrender ourselves completely to your holy will.
For every hour of this day
instruct and prepare us in all things.
Whatsoever tidings we may receive during the day,
do teach us to accept tranquilly,
in the firm conviction that all eventualities fulfill your holy will.
Govern our thoughts and feelings
in all we do and say.
When things unforeseen occur,
let us not forget that all comes down from you.
Teach us to behave sincerely and reasonably
toward every member of our families,
that we may bring confusion and sorrow to none.
Bestow on us, Lord,
strength to endure the fatigue of the day
and to bear our parts in all its passing events.
Guide our wills
and teach us to pray, to believe,
to hope, to suffer,
to forgive, and to love. Amen.
(a prayer of the Optina elders)