Distractions are things that prevent us from giving full attention to our main focus. Distractions are not necessarily adverse, but they take up our time. They constantly reroute us and can take us further away from what is important. It’s crucial to scrutinize them because when we add something to our life we subtract time from something else.
When you are single your time is your own. If you decide to get married, nurturing the relationship with your husband becomes the priority. Adding children to the equation, date night with your husband is probably a distant memory. In addition to being a homemaker, if you work outside of the home your stretching your time further. None of this is bad it’s a blessing, but be mindful because it all requires attention and care.
Think about it
What are you trying to achieve? The goal you are trying to reach, how are you going to obtain, maintain, and retain it? Think about it, as you allow things into your life, they could potentially divert from the main goal. Busyness can be a dream stealer and also drain you of needed rest. Whatever your goal is, be cognizant of what you are permitting. Think about if the additional tasks are interferences and hindering your progress or a benefit and advancing your progress.
The goal can be, you want to be a better wife, mother, start a business, or get a degree. You may want to exercise, write a book, do home projects, work on crafts, or relax. If you welcome detours and non-productive activities, you may prolong or not reach that goal.
People boundaries
Sometimes we struggle with putting boundaries in place because we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. People boundaries are not only important they are necessary. It’s paramount that you use God’s wisdom and discernment in how much of someone’s burden you take on. Have you ever had to take a break from watching the news? I believe in watching the news to stay current and to know how to pray for our world and leaders, BUT. We can get too involved emotionally, and our relationship with the Lord begins to suffer. Overwhelming feelings of fear, sadness, and anger can cause us to not operate in the Holy Spirit and truth.
Pointing people to the Lord must be our response with love and compassion. Be understanding and supportive, but know when you are overstepping your boundary and trying to be their savior. Taking on too much of other people’s concerns can become a distraction from what God’s purpose is for you. On the flip side be mindful that your actions and behaviors are not causing distractions for others.
Daily bread
We all have responsibilities that we must manage and take care of. The one that has to take precedence daily is our relationship with the Lord. If that suffers, it’s a guarantee that everything else will not work in unity. You may have to get creative on when and how to spend quality time with the Lord, make it happen.
I’m not against extracurricular activities, but if your or your family’s social calendar is booked, it’s worth examining. Life can be hectic, but some of the activities can be straining your relationship with Jesus. Ask the Lord to show you areas that you fill with busyness and an abundance of activities so you can fill them with Him. Make scripture and prayer a priority because life will always find a way to get in the way.
In conclusion
Distractions can start small and become out of control if not checked. Pay attention because distractions come in many different forms and easily can derail your mission. Time is a blessing. If we’re constantly sidetracked and consumed with stuff, we’ll miss out on what God is showing and teaching us. You can’t make up for the lost time, you can’t get it back.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- What is distracting you from obtaining, maintaining, and retaining your goals?
- How much quality time are you spending with the Lord?
- What can you do differently to make God a priority?
- Think of ways on how you can spend more time with Jesus (ex. Bible apps, create a Bible game with your children)
Okay I needed this! Thank you!!
Also, Do you know why I love your blog and posts!? You direct us to examine ourselves and point us back to our relationship with the Lord and you include us in your words! It’s not “I” , “I” me me. You truly do encourage and guide us! You use your life examples in a unselfish way!
I love how you do that! You are gifted my friend and I am thankful for your posts!
Ashley, I am so thankful and humbled by your sweet words, thank you. Those things I suggest to others are the things Jesus has convicted me on. I have to call on the same Jesus you call on to navigate through life. Also, thank you for the encouragement!!!
This is great! For me, setting new boundaries came with a little bit of pain and backlash. However, sticking to them gives me the ability to see things getting done. I just keep reminding myself if people don’t understand right now, they will understand it better by and by.
This post is a reminder that I can’t become comfortable with what I have already accomplished. I have to be mindful of even the smallest distractions the can get me off course. Thank you for this post.
Lisa, you’re right sometimes backlash does come with boundaries, but praise God you stuck with them and reaped the benefits. Sometimes it’s the small stuff that really knocks us off track. Thank you for your insight!
I would like to thank you Carol for your impactful message. I know I do not keep up with all the blogs but this one regarding distractions really ministered to my heart! After reading your recent blog regarding distractions, I realized that I was playing games on my phone and laptop daily and also in the back of my mind I had to check in very often to get my daily bonuses, coin bonuses etc. Throughout the day I may have spent several hours with this game in the back of my mind and I could not hardly wait to log in to play. ( Can you say distraction)? This is just one example of how distractions were keeping me away from God and distracting me from my prayer life. I did uninstall the game on my phone because of this blog. I would like to thank you for your biblically sound messages and your acute sense of timing with your messages. I thank God everyday for you and I would like to keep encouraging you to stay on your purposeful path. Thank you for your messages and for your encouragement for everyone to do their due diligence in maintaining a working relationship with God.
Michelle, what a powerful testimony! Your transparency will help many. Thank you for being willing, open, and vulnerable to share your story, that’s what Come Alongside Me is all about. I praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit’s instruction, guidance, provision, and everything else. Thank you for your support and encouragement!