A seven-month distraction.
Seven months. It’s been almost that long since I’ve blogged. Or wrote anything of good substance. Edited something. I did conduct a Life Coach course but it ended five months ago. My summary of this year could be titled similar to my last blog, “Seasons of life come and go – just as God intended.” Except this one would have to read, “Seasons of life come and go – sometimes not what God had in mind.” How sad. What happened to throw me off for so long? I know. My thinking slipped and a distraction invaded every minute of my life.
Beware. It can happen to you, too.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT
A distraction can turn into a disruption.
While it doesn’t happen all the time, often, seasons that God didn’t have in mind for us begin as small distractions. Like mine. We bought a home and thought the purchase time, remodel, and the move would take three months. Small turned into big. Three months stretched into seven. Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with purchasing a home or remodeling. But a distraction that pulls one away from their calling becomes something bigger. It morphs into a self-imposed disruption.
Not all disruptions are bad.
To the contrary. Some diversions lead us to help people in need. I’ve experienced this a number of times when family members were sick and in the hospital. A disruption, even a terrible one, can bring good. They make us stop to focus on what’s important. Natural or man made disasters turn our mind to building relationships and seeing beyond material belongings. But, this particular distraction turned disruption was a side step. Well, no, it was a full detour that, after the chaos, a very weary me finally redirected back to more important things.
A distraction can leave you rusty.
Sitting behind the computer again feels good. But I’m rusty and somewhat uneasy. What’s my password? What was I working on? Where did I file it? Is it still relevant? How long is it going to take to be back in the swing of things?
During my quiet time, I’ve been reminded that I lived through/learned from the last several months and can be at peace because my focus is clear again.
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Distractions can be used for evil.
In my last post, I wrote that each season we go through is an extension or result of the one before. That’s true. I’ve wanted to live in town instead of the country for a long time. Take note! Evil pays attention. When I wrote, “I’m in the season of life to accept the call”, Satan sat up and took notice. He latched on to the seemingly innocuous thought of moving. He calculated how he could keep me from doing God’s will and turned what should have been a short term distraction into an invitation to detour. I have only myself to blame for not being alert but instead, choosing paths that kept me too busy to actually follow God’s call.
Again, buying the home wasn’t the problem. Taking all the detours that popped up was. The extra trips to the store. Changing the paint color. A tweak here and there. Missing my quiet times . . . What a bold reminder that evil doesn’t want me to listen to God and will strike when I feel confident. Sigh. The devil is sly.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 NLT.
It’s good to be back.
I’m putting up barriers to the detours that are still popping up on my path. There are minor things still to do but I’ve decided to enjoy our new home as it is for now. As a result, I am in the position now to recall how blessed I am that God is ever faithful, even when I’m not so much. I may be rusty, but I’m willing to let the Almighty grease those wheels.
If you’ve taken a detour, I encourage you to hop back on the main road where God wants you. It feels good.
I know exactly where you are coming from.