Every Mother’s Day my children cook dinner for me.  They make me sit on the couch (I’m not allowed in the kitchen) with my feet up and TV remote in hand.  Of course, there is no football and usually it’s the Kentucky Derby I’m stuck watching.  It’s fine but I am always amazed at the horses. These are very expensive, highly trained, machines running next to each other.  Some of these horses cost between $500K and $2.5M just to purchase them.  What keeps them in that race with the ability to move forward?  It’s that blinder.  If you look it up on Google, they can cost anywhere between $20 and $1K.  When I began to research it, I realized the importance of blinders and thought we need ‘spiritual blinders’ on in our own lives.  These blinders fit four main purposes. They are 1. Reduce of the horse’s field of vision 2. Allows the horse to focus on the track ahead 3.  Helps the horse remain calm in stressful or over whelming situations. 4.  Helps the horse to not be distracted.  The bible instructs us in Hebrews 12:1-2 ‘to keep your eyes on Jesus.’  In this coming year, we need to place spiritual blinders on our eye so we can keep our focus on Jesus.  Thus, we will not be easily distracted.  We are easily distracted in everyday life therefore, we will easily be distracted in our walk with God.  Don’t be distracted by things that don’t matter!  We won’t wander and lose sight of the prize.  If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can stay calm during the calamity that is coming.  When you keep your eyes on Jesus, He keeps us calm – He carries us when life is overwhelming – He removes stress and carries our burdens.  When you keep these blinders on, it will keep you from looking at others – comparing yourself.  My friends, I encourage you this year to stay focused – stay calm – stay running the race keeping our eyes on Jesus.