Distractions

 

I have always been easily distracted. I find it hard to focus on any one thing for very long and I have a tough time finishing projects. I’ve never been diagnosed with ADD but I can certainly relate to those people who have.  Over the course of my lifetime, the distraction potential of modern life has increased exponentially.  A recent study indicated that the average American picks up their phone 58 times per day and spends 3 hours per day on their mobile devices.

 

John the Baptist was a striking figure to the Jews of his day. He lived in the desert rather than in Jerusalem where all the religious leaders were. He dressed simply and he ate locusts and wild honey. He limited all the possible worldly distractions so that he could concentrate solely on his message of repentance and preparing the way for Jesus, who said of John, “Among those born of women there is no one greater than John” (Lk 7:28).

 

Jesus spent 40 days in the desert prior to beginning His ministry. He frequently went off by himself to pray. Even though He was and is God, He regularly felt the need to put everything else aside so He could talk to His Father free from distractions.

 

Distractions are an unavoidable part of life. They can cause us to lose focus and can put our bodies into a state of perpetual high alert. They can also rob us of the peace that God wants us to have each day.  Let’s try to increase our quiet time and our prayer time each day so as to be more mindful of God in the course of whatever we do.