Sammy, my son, endeavored to encourage Eve, his 3 1/2 yrs old daughter, to eat her lunch.
For dinner the night before, I purchased sushi (not the raw fish kind, but rolls with crab, cucumber, and spicy mayo). I had a few pieces left over, which I brought to eat for lunch when I was watching my granddaughters, Eve and Ellie. Eve seemed very interested in my sushi. She watched me and asked curious questions about the sushi. I don’t think she had eaten anything like it before, so I shared some of the rice from the roll, which she liked. I shared some of the crab, which she also liked. However, she did not enjoy the “black stuff” – the seaweed wrapper. Instead of eating what was in front of her, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, she focused on my sushi.
“I’m distracted by Grandma’s sushi,” replied Eve. Sammy made every effort to change Eve’s focus, but she continued to reply, “But, I’m distracted by Grandma’s sushi.” It felt challenging for Sammy and I to not crack a smile at her serious response. Eventually, I finished the sushi so the “distraction” disappeared; Eve finished her sandwich and began her afternoon rest time.
Distracted – Unable to concentrate because one is preoccupied by something else; Diverted; Inattentive, Troubled.
Eve’s distraction to my sushi continues to rumble through my mind, heart, and body. I find myself wondering about distractions in the journey of life. What keeps me from being present to the here and now? How do distractions impact my ability to love God and love others? I ponder the influence of being distracted on myself, others, and the world.
Driving a vehicle raises concerns for some because of distractions along the road. For others, emails and texts divert attention from being present to conversations and experiences. Still others become absorbed by health, money, power, possessions, travel, work, ministry, and relationships. For each person, the distractions vary, yet for all people to be preoccupied in the present moment hinders one’s ability to love and live well.
If we are not intentional, distraction creeps into our souls leaving us preoccupied, confused, negligent, and troubled. We lose attentiveness and shift from the important things in life to passing amusements and disordered living. I get distracted by the demands of others and unhealed wounds. I get distracted by expectations of society and culture, I get distracted by the advertisements and the prosperity of my environment. I get distracted by obligations and responsibilities. What about you?
What if we attended to the present moment with fervor, grace, and love? How would living this way impact relational connections, work, health, prayer, Christlike transformation, sin, repentance, generosity, etc.?
Scripture reveals many who wrestled with becoming distracted — Eve, in the garden, as the snake approached her (Genesis 3:1); The spies sent by Israel into the promised land (Numbers 13:27-28); When Peter walked on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:30); As Jehoshaphat heard of the armies coming against Judah (2 chronicles 20:1-3); The pharisees legalistic approach to the Law (Matthew 23); The prosperity of Israel (Amos); Martha, as she prepared a meal for Jesus (Luke 10:40); Those accusing the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 3:3-11). The rumbling stomachs of the disciples and the crowd (Matthew 14:15). Distraction has existed persistently throughout history.
Many more opportunities for distraction are detailed in Scripture, which ones come to your mind?
I have often thought that the opposite of being distracted in life is to be more focused on what is important; just try harder. Yet, something about this mindset feels like striving and a heavy yoke. Jesus offers a different way (Matthew 11:28-30). I wonder if the remedy to distraction is devotion?
When we live devoted to God, He becomes the focal point for life. Our devotion centers upon loving God with fervor. We love our neighbors as ourselves and love God with all of our being (Mathew 22:37-38). Devotion to God directs the gaze of our soul.
The light of Christ shines through the storms of life, the wounds of the soul, the expectations of others, and the demands of society when we live in the love of God. Rather than being distracted, in devotion to Christ, the posture of our heart clings to the reality that our sovereign loving Lord walks with us. We see life through the lens of Jesus.
As we live devoted, the Holy Spirit empowers us to notice distractions, yet remain detached from their influence, keeping us present to the moment fervidly loving God. Like the devotion of the woman who anointed Jesus as recorded in Luke 7:36-50, distractions fade, losing their grip, and Jesus captures our attention with grace and love.
Our devotion to love God and love others fortifies our attentiveness in the moment: we live present to God, others, and the world. You may not be distracted by sushi, but pay attention to those things in life that divert your gaze from God and His invitation to love Him and others.
This week – – –
Reflect. Jesus calls us to seek Him: “But seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Take a moment to consider those things in your life that “distract” you from seeking God. Talk with God about what you notice. Wonder how living devoted might impact those distractions. How does God invite you to live in the present moment right now?
Request. Thank God for His grace and goodness. If you sense conviction by the Spirit for living distracted, confess to the Lord, ask for His forgiveness, and receive His cleansing (1 John 1:9). Welcome the presence of God to enable you to live present with Him and others. Ask God to deepen your devotion, filling you with love for Himself, love for the people in your life, and love for all of humanity.
Receive. Receive the extravagant love of God for you (John 3:16). You are His beloved. He loves you! Rest. How can you show God your love for Him? What might be ways to deepen your love for God? Spend time with Him – He likes to be with you.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Matthew 22:37 – “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
R.C. Sproul. God’s Love: How the Infinite God Cares for His Children. Colorado Springs, CO. 2012.
Bob Goff. Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy. Nashville, TN. 2022.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Bethel Music. Reckless Love. Click here to watch & listen.
Danny Gokey. Love God Love Others. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Allenspark, CO – Women’s Retreat for St. Patrick’s Presbyterian Church
November 8-12 – Quarryville, PA – Breathe Deeply Soul Care Encounter (click here for more information)