So Many Distractions

On this little weekend trip that Scott and I took a couple of weeks ago, one particular night we ate at a local restaurant known not only for the amazing food, but more so for the quantity of food.  We left the restaurant miserable.  As we were driving back to the hotel, I mentioned that I needed to go walk or something in order to feel better.  This came up in conversation right as we passed a Wal-mart.  Scott suggested we just go walk around the store until we felt better.  This idea was genius and one reason why I keep him around.  As we were getting out of the car, I was focused on a meaningful walk through the aisles of Wal-mart.  I described to Scott how we would attack the store one aisle at a time at a strong walking pace.  I left my purse in the car, cued up my watch to track our steps, and began marching off our plan.  About isle two, the distractions started.  We were pacing through the pharmacy section when I remembered we were about out of toothpaste.  I was able to grab the toothpaste without hardly slowing down.  Unfortunately, that was just the beginning of the distractions.  We spent several minutes picking out a magazine.  The kitchen gadget isle was extremely captivating. I’m too embarrassed to tell you how much time we spent in the Christmas section.  By then, our pace and plan were gone and in reality, our hands were too full from the random items we were carrying to walk anyway.  While our little walk did help, it also cost us over $60. to get out of the store. Thank goodness at least Scott had his wallet. The second reason I keep him around.

How does this relate to my Christian walk?  Almost exactly step for step. First, I feel moved by something I read in my devotion time or hear a powerful message that inspires me.  I feel the Spirit developing  this strong action plan in my heart, and I work to put it into action.  Let the distractions begin.  This blog is one example.  I’m going to write a blog once a week was my original plan.  Right now I’m lucky to get out one a month.  Sometimes it is as simple as a quickening in my spirit that I need to call a friend or send them a text.  The thoughts are there, the plans are there, but the action is delayed or devoured by distractions.  I’m telling you even doing the dishes can be a distraction.  I’m going to set down and write on an upcoming blog, but I don’t because I have dishes to do.  Maybe I’m going to commit extra money to a missions project this month.  Oh, I can’t even begin to list all of the distractions that can thwart this plan.

Luke 14 contains a parable that tells of a man hosting a great supper or a feast.  This man sent out many invitations well in advance as was the custom.  Then the day of the feast the servant went out to announce the start of the meal, but those invited all faced distractions.  One had a new bride, one had new property and one had new oxen.  All of these distractions were placed as a priority over the feast.  As you know from this familiar story, the master sent the servant out to find other guest.  What I fear is, just as the original invitees, we can easily be distracted and place priorities above what God has called us to do or what He has planned for us.  I don’t know why it seems hard to accept, but not doing what we know to do is just as much of a sin as  the sins we so publicly denounce such as affairs or stealing.  “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:7.

I pray as I write this that I can keep my focus on what God has placed in my heart and make Him a priority in my life.

Author: Angela Grunewald

Just a mom/wife/educator who loves the Lord and wants to share my thoughts. View all posts by Angela Grunewald