Last weekend, we had an incredible time at JAM Camp at Rathane! The students dove into a variety of activities—archery, catapult building, and even Billy cart racing!
When we arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the place—just like many of the parents. But ironically, the kids barely noticed! Their attention was locked on their friends.
At one point, I spotted a massive sea eagle soaring overhead. I pointed it out excitedly, but the kids barely glanced up before returning to their conversation. It reminded me that focus is a kind of voluntary blindness—the choice to fix our eyes on one thing while ignoring everything else.
This happens in our spiritual lives too. Even Jesus' own disciples, who walked with Him daily for years, missed what was right in front of them:
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”
John 14:6-9
The disciples had spent years with Jesus, yet they still didn’t fully grasp that He was God. Whatever had their attention made them blind to the obvious. And honestly, we’re no different—our focus often keeps us from seeing what truly matters.
At this year’s JAM Camp, we centred our focus on the miracles of Jesus from the book of John. We explored Jesus and others before reflecting on Jesus and me (JAM).
In the busyness of life, it’s crucial for Christians to intentionally focus on Jesus. Sometimes that means setting aside quiet time to reflect. Other times, it happens in the middle of our day—reading the Gospel for 15 minutes with our child or having a conversation about faith on the way home from church.
Whatever it looks like, make time now. They grow up fast.
