Life is a journey and more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s easy to start strong, full of enthusiasm and energy, but sustaining that momentum over time can be challenging. We’ve all heard the story of the hare and the tortoise—the one who may start with a burst of speed but loses focus, and the other who, despite a slower pace, remains consistent and wins the race.

This tale reminds us that consistency and endurance matter just as much, if not more, than how we start.

In our fast-paced world, staying focused and managing our energy effectively is crucial. We all have moments where life’s circumstances, disappointments, or the demands of others can drain us, leaving us feeling depleted and off course. To live life well, it’s essential to understand where our energy is going and whether it’s being used in a way that benefits both ourselves and those around us.

The Importance of Energy Management

First, let’s consider where your energy is directed. Is it being channelled into areas that align with your values and goals, or is it scattered across distractions and minor issues? It’s easy to get caught up in the urgent at the expense of the important. For example, as a parent of six children, I know how tempting it is to pour all my energy into maintaining peace and order at home. But if I’m constantly focused on preventing the next crisis, I might miss the opportunity to connect with my family in meaningful ways that nurture their growth and maturity.

Dr. Jenny Brown from the Parent Hope Project offers valuable insights into this. She emphasises the importance of connecting with the maturing aspects of those around us, especially our children and teens. Are we fostering their growth, encouraging their strengths, and supporting their independence? Or are we merely reacting to their challenges and symptoms, and relating to them based on their latest problem, inadvertently reinforcing dependency and helplessness?

Building Positive Connections

Reflect on your daily interactions. Are they centred around other people’s problems, ordo they celebrate their strengths, passions, and accomplishments? Shifting your focus from problem-solving to building positive connections can transform your relationships. Engage with the people in your life by showing interest in their hobbies, successes, and experiences and move from being connected around difficulties and symptoms to interests, accomplishments and experiences. This not only strengthens your bond but also helps you conserve your energy by redirecting it towards nurturing growth rather than constantly fixing issues.

Jesus as a Model for Energy and Focus

Jesus is a perfect example of how to maintain a healthy balance between purpose and relationships. Despite the demands on His time and energy, He consistently sought His Father’s guidance and took time to rest and renew his strength and vision. He encouraged His followers to do the same, recognizing that staying connected to God’s strength was essential for running the race of life well.

As Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” This verse speaks to the importance of drawing our energy from a source that never runs dry. By focusing on God and taking time for rest, reflection and the opportunity to clarify our purpose and passion, we can stay strong and finish our race with grace and endurance.

Remember, it’s not just how you start but how you finish that counts too. Keep your energy focused on what matters and will build rather than just maintain, and you’ll find the strength to go the distance.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the source of my strength and energy. Please help me to direct my energy into people but in a way that builds maturity and growth in my relationships and that I can continue to pursue my dreams with focus and determination. Teach me to come away with you daily, to renew my strength so that I may run my race well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.