2017: The Year of Distractions

Can you possibly have as many distractions in your life as I do?

I suppose a better question might be, who doesn’t? Thats just life these days.

I think if I had to give 2017 a name it would be titled “2017 The Year Of Distractions”.

I don’t know about you, but for me, it seems that the more I get myself together, the more I feel like I don’t have it together. Yea, think about that. Not easy to admit it but I think it may be true for many of us. Am I all alone in this?

There is so much vying for our attention that the minute we fix our eye’s on something that will lead to new growth and a better relationship with God it seems that old familiar squirrel comes dashing in front of us and we turn around and run from what is best for us. Most of the time, in total oblivion.

The more we learn our own truth, the quicker our eye’s seem to be opened to what we still don’t know. The more our eye’s are fixed on God, the more He can show us things He wants us to teach us. But we have so much going on that it’s as if spiritual and personal growth are a constantly moving target.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing securely should watch out

so he doesn’t fall.

Here’s the thing, we all have so much going on and we are responsible for so much in our lives.

Our personality, spirituality and our many roles in life aren’t static. We grow and shift toward new situations constantly. We pick up more and more responsibility and say yes to so many good things. But is it too much? Is the sacrifice hurting you and those you love?

You see, sometimes, all of that busyness keeps our eyes off the most important things in our lives. Yes’s can be great but, they can also be an excuse as they distract us from what’s really needed.

Distractions also keep our eye off the real prize. Our relationships with God and our loved ones. I have to wonder if that is an accident or by our own design. We’re going at a frantic pace because there are so many opportunities we want to pour into that look like they enrich our life experience. But is this God’s design? I would love to know what do you think so share below.

Colossians 3:1

Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on

the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God

I think the busier we are, the less time we have to focus on what God wants us to hear and learn. I believe, the crazier life is, the more anxiety we feel and the less God focus we have.

The end result is it takes longer to learn the lessons from what God is trying to show us.

Drill it down: Think about your laundry list of tasks and commitments and as you go through your week. Be intentional and purposeful to take a deeper look.

Take a piece of paper and make a line down the middle. On one side put Adds on the other side Distracts Keep it with you for a week or longer and ask yourself the questions below.

When I get sidetracked or find myself over scheduled and distracted I’ll ask myself; Is this task or commitment adding to my life and my families?
Do I “get to” use this commitment as an excuse so I can avoid managing what needs doing or do I know I should be dealing with something else?
Does this fire me up and get me excited?
Do I have a sense of pride and being important because I took on this responsibility? If so, is that why I am invested in this?
If I had to limit myself to pick 2 or 3 things I get joy from, would be on my list?