Distractions, Disruptions, Delays

When I am focused on getting something done, I am not a big fan of distractions, disruptions, or delays. I’ve told you many times, I’m a doer. I want to go from Point A to Point B in the most efficient manner. If I have several errands to run, I will map it out in my head how to do it so that I am wasting the least amount of time and gas. I have a plan and I am intent on working that plan. I remember the first time I went to the grocery store with my in-laws as they got older. We went back and forth across the store several times as my father-in-law went down his paper list in the order it was written. It was crazy! The next trip I looked at their list and rewrote it before we left so that we could get all we needed from one section before moving on to the next.

Yes, my organization and planning will get a job done efficiently. But is that the only point? If I’m going on a big trip, I prefer the interstate where I can get on and only slow down when necessary. I have learned from my husband though that taking a side trip here and there or just going on a two-lane road can be so much fun. You see different things, different people, and have different experiences. Yes, it took longer to get from Point A to Point B, but it was enriching in a different way. I look back on those side trips and they almost always cause me to smile.

Distractions, disruptions, and delays are meant to draw your attention away from what you are doing. Webster’s 1828 Online Dictionary defines distraction as “a drawing apart; separation; confusion from a multiplicity of objects crowding on the mind and calling the attention different ways.” When you are taking a test or doing something intricate you don’t want to be distracted. You want to concentrate on what you are doing. As a mom I learned to block out certain distractions or I would not be able to finish ANYthing! Staying focused on the goal and not letting things deter you will cause you to accomplish that goal.

But distractions can also be positive. If you’ve ever had or taken care of a young child you know that distraction is your friend! As they are heading straight for the street you throw a ball to the middle of the lawn to distract them and keep them from danger. As you see them headed for the tall and intricate block structure an older child has built you distract them with a loud and colorful toy that is more fitting for their age. Several years ago we were on a week-long family vacation. Mid-week we were driving in the Oregon mountains and it had been a long day already. One by one the six of us not driving were falling asleep. Just then my husband, who was driving, slammed on the brakes. We all awoke with a start suspecting danger or disaster. A beautiful mountain stream had caught his eye and he thought we all needed to stop and explore it. After the adrenalin calmed down a bit I no longer wanted to slug him but was glad that we pulled over and were able to experience such a beautiful site together. It was a disruption that was so worth it!

Delays can be hard. We think we know what we need and when we need it. I think of a young child in a store. We’ve all heard them bellow when they have been told they don’t need that toy or candy bar right now. We have to pay for it first, you can have it when you get in the car. Nope! That will not do! Young children want what they want and they want it now! Have you ever been like that? Ouch! I know I have. It’s not easy to wait for something that you think you need right now. I have seen several young women settle for any man as they tired waiting for the right man. It usually did not end well. There have been times in my own life when things weren’t happening in the time I thought they should. It’s easy to question God and self in those times. Does God really care? Did I miss it? Yes, He cares! And even if I did miss it, He is big enough to clean up my mess.

Waiting. Does that idea bring up warm fuzzies for you? Probably not. For me it brings up times when it has seemed like it took forever for something to happen. Have you ever waited in a doctor’s office for hours? Or waited for someone to come home who was late and didn’t call? Or waited to hear if the jury was going to convict you or not? Okay, that last one was a bit dramatic, but you get my point! Most of us do not like delays and do not like waiting. But listen to Webster’s 1828 Online Dictionary define waiting: “participle present tense Staying in expectation.” Another definition it gives for waiting is “staying for the arrival of.” Staying in expectation. Chew on that a little. Instead of waiting in turmoil and anxiety, wait with the expectation of how good it’s going to be when it gets here. You can go from wondering if it's ever going to happen to expecting it to happen and celebrating it before it even does! Staying in expectation denotes constancy not flip flopping around. Stay in expectation that God will bring everything together in just the right way at just the right time.

So, when you are faced with distractions, disruptions, or delays choose to stay focused on the goal but willing to take side trips. Be ready to concentrate without being so honed in that you can’t enjoy the people or things around you. Expect God to move on your behalf because that is what He wants to do. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11. The Amplified Classic Bible says, “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” The Message Translation says “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Waiting is easier when you remember that God holds your future and He wants only the best for you. Maybe you can even enjoy the waiting period. I dare you!