Northview Blog Focal Point: Keeping God at the Center April 9, 2020 I bought my first camera when I was in second grade. My class took a field trip to the Indianapolis Zoo, and I used all my money—three dollars—to buy a camera (with a roll of black-and-white film included) in the gift shop. Once home with the camera in hand, I scuttled around my parents’ farm taking pictures of all of the animals. My favorite and most patient subject was our family dog.After much trial and error, I realized that if I moved my body very close to our dog, I could get a good picture of her eyes, and the close-up picture conveyed more emotion than my others. Although I wasn’t yet familiar with the term, I quickly understood that good pictures didn’t happen unless I paid close attention. I needed to be deliberate about where my focal points fell within each frame. Even a slight adjustment could make a big difference.It took years of patience and practice to more readily find my best focal point, and I believe the same discipline holds true for our relationship with God. A good relationship with Him won’t happen unless we are intentional and deliberate about our focus. Here’s what the Bible tells us.Proverbs 4:25 (NIV): “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” Proverbs 5:1-2 (VOICE): “My son, stay focused; listen to the wisdom I have gained; give attention to what I have learned about life so you may be able to make sensible judgments and speak with knowledge.”Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."Colossians 3:2 (NIV): “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”Lord, help us be deliberate about keeping our focus on You, our source of wisdom, truth, and goodness. Help us glorify You in all we think and do by keeping You the very center of our lives. Amen. by Leah McClain Self Spiritual Growth