Years ago I asked what was keeping me from finding and doing what it was I was supposed to be doing.
What I got back was one word: Distractions.
Distractions!
How I recognize that. They are those pesky or even “necessary” things that come into my life, my days, my hours, and claim manifest destiny.
They walk in without knocking, sit down in front of me and say, “Well, I’m here. I’m not going away. Deal with me.”
And of course I don’t want to be impolite, and I would like to be able to move on, so I tell myself I’d better handle just this one.
Meantime, my invited guest, the one I wanted to spend time with, waits.
Okay, she (or him, or it) knows she’s the one I’m trying to get back to . . . when all these other random guests stop coming. But they keep coming!
By the end of the day my journal, if I kept a journal of such, is full of all the things I handled. People would be impressed, if they knew, how many things I do, and many at the same time. I have a very busy life.
But is it busy with the right things?
I read this morning how at the beginning of Jesus’s public ministry, when people were almost barging down the door to hear what he had to say, to get healed, or delivered, the next morning before dawn he went off to be alone. They couldn’t find him. He was out seeking guidance.
Following that, he left the area. And that at the height of great success!
There it is: Even good things can become a distraction from best things.
Our days are so full we wonder why they’re so brief. But what is the one thing we should be doing?
Stop and ask.
Then bar the door.
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Mark 1:35-39
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:53 am
Bar the door to worldly distractions for a bit and converse with the Lord who will help you to know what is distraction or a need.
10:56 am
To often I fill my day with many necessary and good things I must do, but miss the Good Thing He placed before me to do (to join what He is doing), and it is the only thing that won’t be burned up someday.
Lord, may I save some space for you on my todo list today.
11:03 am
You’ve been reading my mind/ life once again. I thought it was just ADD. Distractions are my number one impediment! And FOCUS is often my number one prayer request. Pitiful, huh?
11:21 am
Great advice that I needed to hear :-)
11:47 am
This made me think of Mary who sat with Jesus. And her sister Martha who was stressed out busy trying to “serve” Jesus. Mary chose the best.
12:23 pm
Once again…….speaking directly to me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
4:22 pm
So glad you are getting some much needed reprieve from distrations! Received Anne’s beautiful note today – you both humble us. May the Lord bless you with peace, joy, and the time to focus on the things this trip is about.
4:44 pm
Once again Jesus is the right example for us.
Thank Hyatt for pointing it out to us.
9:18 pm
Well said, brother!
1:21 pm
OK, I’m focused … but, wait, it’s another Blank Slate! Ha! Seriously, Hyatt, it’s your thoughts that help us all stay on or regain focus, and clarity. Appreciate you taking the time. OK, see a squirrel, got to go!
11:36 am
Thanks Hyatt!! I always enjoy reminders and affirmation on priorities and focus.