I don’t know how often I’ve said (and heard other people say) “I am so distracted right now.”
Why are you so distracted? What is the distraction? If we are having lack of focus in our walk in God because we’re distracted then stop for a second and think about what the distraction is.
Figuring that out is half the battle…but now it’s time for some action! Boo ya! Time to kick that beast in the teeth.
But before you go around de-toothing things here’s something to ponder: Is the only answer for distractions to quit them cold turkey?
Have you felt bad about something in your life that was a distraction and so you felt like you should give it up but you don’t want to? I submit another answer to getting rid of those distractions: FOCUS
I know that the majority of the things that are distractions in my life are not bad. In fact many of them are good and Godly. But if I’m not focusing and moderating how I manage them then my tasks / hobbies / (fill in the blank here) become distractions.
Those distractions bleed into my relationship with God and my mind isn’t clear.
My tasks turn into a fog that hazes up my time with God. Even more than just that. They will bleed into all the important areas of your life: Time with your family, time working, time resting.
What are ways that help you focus and keep the important things important?
[For related reading I recommend the 168 Hours to a Focused Life series]
Jerry James said:
I’m sorry . . . what we’re you saying? I lost my focus for a second.
I was just thinking of the old advice to stop and take ten deep breaths in the heat of the battle. Not bad advice. I think that just stopping, focusing, asking, listening is something we neglect to do.
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 11:07 am
The other Andy said:
In the prayer room when I get distracted, I pull out a notebook and start writing thoughts and prayers, this usually helps me keep on track. I lose focus when I just sit and pray things through in my head because other distracting thoughts come and soon I end up thinking about admin work and not praying, writing stuff down keeps my thoughts on track and for me it’s easier to express what I’m thinking/feeling by writing and not just thinking it through.
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Shawn said:
I’m a big fan of the notebook too. But not just any ole notebook. That’s why I got myself something special.
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 5:46 pm
The other Andy said:
Is it a moleskine journal?
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 7:20 pm
Shawn said:
No, but those are sweet.
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 9:07 pm
The other Andy said:
So the thing that you’ve kept a mystery it’s some sort of notebook? Do I win a prize if I guess it, or am I guessing in vain?
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Shawn said:
If you post a guess that’s right and it’s comment number 750 you win free chipotle for you and 1/2 of a friend.
But, you won’t guess. I bet you’ve never even heard of the company that makes them.
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 10:57 pm
The other Andy said:
You got this at a normal office supply store though? I should start asking the Lord for revelation.
Posted on November 17, 2006 at 11:19 pm