CONCENTRATE ON THE IMPORTANT THINGS

“May I help you?” asked Mike, the salesman at the computer department.

“We are looking for a new computer. Our old hard drive is acting up and we would like to buy a complete new system.”

The computer salesman looked knowledgeable and since a computer is a rather expensive item, we had questions that needed to be answered. We had already been in a couple of other competitor stores, so we knew what was available. We had researched several models and had also spent time over the phone discussing computers with our sons who are experienced computer technicians. Getting a good price was important and we didn’t want to buy one model only to learn later that another model was better.

We located a video game set-up on a computer nearby and decided to spend our time there until Mike could finish up his current sale. After a few minutes, Mike listened to our specifications and directed us to the display of computers. He showed us a new model that met most of our needs. We felt like we were really making progress, but in the middle of everything, Mike dismissed himself to go to the restroom. He returned several minutes later and we returned to the discussion about computers. Within a few minutes Mike had to leave the area to turn off the alarm that was ringing in the digital camera section. He returned to finish the discussion, but once again the alarm rang and he left the area.

Since we had been doing comparison shopping, we mentioned the price of a similar item at another store. Mike made the phone call and verified that the prices were both the same. Comparison shopping is very much a part of computer shopping and since the cost of the entire system would be around $900, we wanted to be sure that we were satisfied with everything.

The salesman directed us to the display of computers and showed us a new model that met most of our needs. The complete package was just over $900. Everything seemed to be going quite well until the salesman excused himself for a bathroom break. From there the experience went downward. On at least two other occasions Mike left during our conversation to shut off the alarm that kept going off in the camera department. He did take the time to research a comparable with another competitor and did verify that the prices were the same.

With all the interruptions we decided that we would go ahead and purchase the computer. We had waited patiently for almost an hour and in a few minutes more we could walk out the store with our computer and take it home and set it up. Mike left again, but this time when he came back he told us that the system was out of stock. Perhaps I am not as tolerant as most people, but checking the availability of the computer system at the beginning of the presentation would have saved all of us a lot of time. And, just as we were ready to leave, the alarm in the camera department went off again. Mike just couldn’t stay focused because of the interruptions throughout the day.

We returned to another store where we knew the item was in stock and bought the computer system there. It may have cost a little more overall but the service we received made the experience positive. It just didn’t seem that the customer was top priority in the store where Mike worked. We lost an hour of our day while waiting for answers to questions which was really unnecessary.

Trying to keep concentrated on one task seems to be a problem for me right now. I usually haven’t had much trouble in this area but recently there have been so many interruptions that I have lost my sense of direction. I may start one task and be asked to work on another one that needs my attention. During this time, my focus is changed and it is twice as hard to get back to the original problem that I was solving. We have to keep our eyes on our goals or we will not feel satisfied because the original ones have been pushed off to the side.

The same is true for Christians. We live in a world where everything calls out for our attention. The lure of money, the enticement of parties and having fun, and the desire for sexual satisfaction through worldly examples are just a few of the temptations that can get us off course. We have to keep our eyes on Christ and His example to be sure that we walk close to Him. In Psalm 32:8 we read, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.” And in Psalm 119:18 we see that David requests “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law”. Notice that the emphasis is on the eyes. The eyes that see and give us direction are important and help us to stay focused on the goals we set. These goals should include any specific directions or guidance that comes from God and the Holy Spirit. Without that, we wander around aimlessly and fail to see the blessings that God has for us.

Give special attention to the direction you are moving in life and see if you are truly focused on God and His will for your life. If not, then ask Him to show you the way so that you will not miss out on the blessings He has for you. Let your eyes look to Him so that you can follow the right path. By committing your life to Him you can be motivated and can keep your concentration on the right things.