Distraction or Opportunity

Distraction  or Opportunity. By Mary Jo Hudson

You’ve probably read the story about the lady or gentleman who begins one chore only to discover something else, which leads through rabbit trails, tunnels, and at the end of the day the first task has yet to be completed.  This is one form of distraction.  The person is perpetually distracted and nothing is accomplished.  Ever been there?  I have.

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary says distraction is:  The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation. 2. Confusion from a multiplicity of objects crowding on the mind and calling the attention different ways; perturbation of mind; perplexity; as, the family was in a state of distraction [See 1 Corinthians 7:35].  (I love the scriptural references Webster often uses to illustrate definitions.)

I Corinthians 7:35 says: Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but because of what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.

How can I be devoted to the Lord without distraction?  Maybe I need to address what distractions are in my life.   What are the things that separate me from BEING DEVOTED to the Lord?

In a monastic situation, we would only contemplate the Lord.  We would eat and drink in a meager manner; dress humbly; speak only when necessary; and dedicate ourselves to prayer and supplication.  You and I don’t live in a monastic situation.

We live with work and families and hectic lives.  Can we be devoted to the Lord without distraction in the middle of our work; as we serve our families; and through the chaos that seems to reign in our midst?  

A book I once read gave me a new perspective on how to navigate the demands of distraction.  The main character is a priest.  The book is primarily dialogue between the priest and the Lord.  The priest talks to the Lord on his way to and from every obligation he must fulfill.  He asks for wisdom in his dealing with others.  He recounts his frustrations and joys the way you and I might converse with a family member or best friend.

This persistent conversation became prayer like.  The focus was always on evaluating each situation in light of God’s direction, asking for His insight, weighing the merits of each side of an equation against His scale.  

The only possible way to successfully avoid distraction is to take every situation to Him in a daily persistent dialogue.  He will sort out what separates us from focusing on His will and way.   If I don’t take each thing to the Lord, everything becomes a distraction. 

What if the ‘distractions’ we face in life are really opportunities to minister the Lord’s love in a situation we might not have volunteered to do?  (This does not include robo calls about your car warranty or the insurance plan you may need…they truly are a distraction.) 

Here are some examples from my week:  my friend called at an awkward time.  I can hear in her voice that she needs a listening ear.  I hear that my assignment from the Lord is to listen.  Is this a distraction?  No.  It is a ministry opportunity.

My granddaughter showed up unexpectedly, as a surprise.  My assignment from the Lord was to embrace her and shower her with love and attention in the few minutes she had in our home.  Was she a distraction?  She was an opportunity to show unconditional love.

My son needs questions answered about a refinishing project.  He interrupts my work multiple times.  Is he a distraction?  He is gleaning advice from my experience.  I am an answer to his need.  

The life flight helicopter flies over our home as I’m weeding in the garden.  I silently pray for the crew, for their expertise in medical care and for the individuals involved in the crisis they are going to assist.  Is this a distraction?  It is an opportunity to love others as Christ loved me.

The fire truck sirens roar as they leave the fire station one block from my house.  I pray for the volunteers and for the fire or emergency they will resolve.  Is this a distraction?  It only took a minute to pray for them.

We can see the interruptions and unplanned events as distractions from the Lord OR as ways He can use our lives to minister to others in His name.  A distraction pulls away from our focus.  If my focus is always on how to represent the Lord in each situation, I only need to frame that distraction with His intent.  

I’m not always successful in this endeavor.  I am often irritated with the robo calls.  Sometimes, I remind God his assignments are not convenient in my already planned schedule.  It’s my daily conversation and my intentional desire to be connected to Him and to be His arms and feet, even in the ways and means I have not planned or devised that keep me connected to Him.  I have to depend upon Him to define distractions and help me see them as opportunities.  It is my job to focus on Him and ask for direction and keep me on task that He has designed for me to complete.

Lord, we ask that you infiltrate our minds to see opportunity to serve you each day, instead of viewing situations as distractions.  May we be the willing hands and feet to represent your love to each situation that falls in our lap.  May we be devoted to you without distraction.  Amen.