Long Winding Road

Sometimes, I think we use distractions as a crutch.  I run and oftentimes in order to get through a long run I wear my iPod and listen to music. I don't necessarily need the music, but I've convinced myself that running with music makes it go faster, more enjoyable and less painful.  The reality is, it's all in my head.  How do I know? Yesterday, I went for a run on a long winding road, without my headphones and I realized how much I was losing out on, by being distracted.  I could focus on the road ahead, I could hear traffic and nature and I could literally smell the roses. Because I was "present", I could focus - I could adjust my breathing or my stride, and what I thought was scary or daunting, actually was not - it was all in my head.

Our Christian walk is like a long winding road. Many times in our Christian walk we rely on distractions to get us through - music, computers, books, friends, jobs, money, church involvement; anything but actually spending time in His presence, with His Word, meditating on His Goodness.  We're not on this journey alone, so it's sometimes baffling why we feel the need to distract ourselves in the first place. The distractions aren't bad in and of themselves - we can listen to Gospel music, find christian websites, read great devotionals and have necessary conversations.  But sometimes they distract to the point of replacing.  

When I'm distracted, I don't focus.  My communication is a little off my attention is diverted.  I notice this with others around me, I wonder how this looks to God?  I'm so distracted I can't even pray like I want. I'm so distracted, I don't take the time to read my Bible.

Just as I removed my headphones for my long run, I'm removing distractions so that I can truly focus on the Lord.  I want to feel his presence therefore, I need to be "present." Distractions are always a challenge, but with God's help I'm pressing forward.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23-24


But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 

Do you have any distractions? How do you deal with them?