I recently had an interesting conversation with a tree skier from Colorado. Not being familiar with the term “tree skier,” I asked the skier to provide more details of his job description.

With sincerity I questioned, “Aren’t you afraid you will hit a tree?”

“Hitting a tree is indeed a hazard of my job. However, I don’t really worry about the trees because I focus on the openings,” the skier continued. “I don’t stare at what I don’t want to hit. I have found that if I apply the power of positive thinking and focus on the openings and opportunities and not the obstacles, I can achieve more of my goals.”

We all face obstacles in our paths every day. If we focus on those obstacles, however, they are sure to trip us up and cause us heartache, suffering, and setbacks. On the other hand, if we concentrate on the openings and opportunities throughout our daily journeys, we will successfully reach our goals.

Paul gives us great advice relevant to this situation in Ephesians 6:15-16: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”

The book of Hebrews also offers wise instruction on how to keep our eyes focused on the openings in our lives. Chapter 12, verses 1-3 state, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The next time you view a pebble or boulder or tree in your path, take your focus off the obstacle and look for the opportunity.