It brings me back

“Whenever we foolishly turn our attention to those we deem not to be on the spiritual path, our Lord God tenderly touches us and blessedly calls to us saying this: Let me be the only object of your attention, my beloved child. Focus on me alone, for I am enough for you. Rejoice in your savior and your salvation.” - Julian of Norwich

That’s currently my favorite teaching from Julian of Norwich, a 14th century English mystic. Her words remind me of this story from several years ago. I got really, really sick and was in the hospital for 13 days. I arrived in the Emergency Department totally depleted and at a certain point barely hanging onto consciousness. I remember with great clarity and deep gratitude a nurse named Elizabeth who put her hands gently but firmly on both sides of my head as I was slipping away and shouted, “Stay with me! Focus on me! Look at me!” She brought me back. I believed in Elizabeth’s power to help me. She could, and she did.

When I am slipping off track in ordinary life about to succumb to something less than or other than love, Julian's teaching that God touches us tenderly and says, “Focus on me alone,” brings me back. God can help, and God will help. 

Do you ever feel uncertain, confused, or just pulled in one thousand different directions by the many temptations of life? Do you ever feel tempted to criticize everyone around you, so that you can feel better about yourself? What a comfort it is when you’re feeling that way to hear God say, “Let me be the only object of your attention.” 

I have found that focusing on God alone really does provide relief and a renewed sense of direction when I am lost in the wilderness of my own life. Wonder what would happen if you tried it? Maybe it would bring you back.