All The Time…
Today I've been distracted! For almost an hour I've tried to re-write, write new, pick an old writing to post.
This time of year it's easy to get distracted. No matter how hard I try to plan ahead something always seems to pop up and squeeze into an already busy schedule, but that's okay. I'm good with it. I'm no gymnast, but I can be flexible!
I've learned over the years that sometimes distractions are a good thing. They can redirect your path-helping you make a better decision. Sometimes they make you stop and rethink things; which helps you remember something you may have forgotten or even keep you from making a fool of yourself. Distractions have even saved people's lives!
Recent events in my family's lives have shown that distractions can put things in perspective. Life. Distractions can put life into perspective. We get one on this earth. One life. One chance to make it count, make it matter and live it in such a way that we can get the reward of forever.
Being called to write was a challenge that I've fought against for most of my life. Beginning in high school when my English teacher encouraged me to write and finally over thirty years later, here I am. That makes ignoring a calling for most of my life...I was distracted...Now, after finally saying, "Okay!" distractions are a plenty! They pop up everywhere, but I'm thankful for them. They give me perspective on priority and I'm learning to appreciate things that I overlooked before. Little, hidden, fleeting things.
Martha was distracted, Luke 10: 38-42. If Jesus hadn't put her in her place when she complained about Mary not helping her, she would have missed cherished time with Jesus before He was crucified! You can't get that back!
Peter was distracted. Matthew 14:28-31. He took his focus off Jesus and nearly drowned.
When the disciples got distracted Jesus took them away to a quiet place to pray. Mark 6:31. They still got distracted, but learned a valuable lesson on the importance of faith and obedience.
After I embraced the distractions of today, this message came together posthaste, and I'm grateful. Stopping to thank God for the gifts that He's given me, I asked for His guidance and took a quiet moment to focus on Him. What a great feeling to know He's right here with me. This message may mean something different to each of you, but I pray it solidifies the fact that God is real and He's a solid source of help in all circumstances.
And...be thankful for distractions.
Don't take the beaten path-take the road less traveled. Don't pack the heavy bag, travel light and make due. Don't miss an opportunity to make someone's day. Don't forget to say how you feel. Don't put off till tomorrow what you need to say or do today. Savor the moments and focus on what's important. Glorify God in everything you do...seriously.
I'm blessed by the remembrance of a sweet four year old's singing "Hallelujah, Hallelujah!" that I wouldn't have been able to hear if it wasn't for a distraction.
God is good, ALL the time.
