A LONG WINTER'S DISTRACTIONS

Will winter never end? This year, mid-April means more than sending in our tax returns. It means putting up with yet another white blanket of snow. Which means more shoveling, more rescheduling, more time spent donning our winter-wear and getting from here to there. Not much we can do about it, and we do know that this too shall end. God in His mercy provides us northerners with four seasons. They may come and go in ways we may not like, but knowing that He’s in charge and has a higher purpose than we do, makes it all worthwhile—doesn’t it?

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES  by Sally Bair

Distractions

Congress designated April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month for good reason. Thousands of accidents and many deaths occur because people drive while using cell phones for texting and calling. Driving distractions also include rummaging for things behind us, primping before the mirror, and eating. I’m guilty of snacking while I drive.

The key to avoiding distractions of any kind is to focus on one thing at a time. Tell that to a working mom and she’ll laugh. Tell that to teachers who must teach, maintain classroom order, act as diplomats, tend to physical and emotional owchies, keep their sanity, and grade endless papers after hours. Tell that to small-business owners who must juggle millions of tasks, keep their employees happy and working, and pay the bills.

Unfortunately, multi-tasking is often necessary in our fast-paced society. Bombarded with new things every day, our minds become overloaded—when we allow it—with too many details for mental and emotional comfort. Our quest to be the best often brings frustration and worry because of our distractions while exceeding the speed limit through life.

We can’t avoid all distractions, but we can try. One way is to stay focused with the use of day planners—our to-do lists. Another way is to turn off our phones and computers during crucial times and scheduling the times we open our email or read our Face Book posts. Yes, we can actually live without them at times!

A sure way to avoid distractions is by asking God to teach us His priorities. That is, setting aside time for Him every day and focusing on how we can best serve Him. One of the best lessons Jesus taught is to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34)  

Back in Jesus’ day, ordinary citizens had much to worry about. With high taxes imposed by the cruel Roman government, they struggled to feed themselves and their families. They dared not disobey Roman rules or they might die from a Roman sword. Talk about distractions! Jesus knew they suffered and offered them the best solution—His love and peace and strength in the midst of trouble and distractions. He offers us the same.

Lord, we thank You for Your provisions, both physical and spiritual. Help us to pay attention to You so we can avoid worrisome distractions. We want to focus on Your purposes more than on ours. In Jesus’ name, amen.