How Information Impacts Our Focus

I thought I was holding it together. I had been expecting the news, but when the text finally came—another dear saint had passed into the arms of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—my heart ached more than I realized. I pulled out of the parking lot thinking I was fine.

But within five minutes, I made two serious driving mistakes. First, I pulled in front of a car, causing them to test their brakes. Then, at a busy intersection, I made a left turn from the wrong lane. Thankfully, no horns blared, no hand gestures flew, and no accidents happened. Still, my heart was racing.

By the time I arrived to pick up my grocery order, I couldn’t even get the parking space info to load on the app—something so small, but it was the tipping point that showed me: I wasn’t as “OK” as I thought I was.

I whispered a desperate prayer: Lord, please get me home safely. Protect me and those around me. And He did.

When I finally walked inside, my first instinct was to chastise myself—How could I be so careless? But then it struck me: if someone else were carrying grief, I would extend them grace without a second thought. Why wouldn’t I do the same for myself?

Here’s the truth: the people who cut you off in traffic, push through yellow lights, or make clumsy mistakes may not simply be careless or in a hurry. They may have just received heartbreaking news… or maybe even joyful news that left them distracted. Either way, life has a way of shifting our momentary focus sometimes.

The Call to Action

Think the best of others continually. Give grace often. Choose not to take offense. And just as importantly — speak to yourself with the same gentle kindness you’d want others to offer you.

today’s radiant insight:

“Lord, help.” a genuine cry He hears and meets us where we are.