Many of you may remember the kaleisdoscope – a hand-held tube containing mirros and pieces of colored glass that when held to the eye and rotated, creates constantly changing patterns. It is impossible to focus on one design or color while it is being rotated. The collage of colors are beautiful and mesmerizing and could hold one’s attention for untold lengths of time.
The glitz and glamour of the world can lure and mesmerize us if we let innocent enjoyment consume our time, our minds, our hearts, and our focus.
Another diversion that can snare an unsuspecting person are cell phone games. When I have some down time, I like to play Spider Solitaire, Word Search, and Wordscapes on my phone instead of letting my mind rest and think on things that are good and praiseworthy. No, I fill the time with continuous activity. I can easily lose focus on what matters for eternity when I allow myself to be distacted for a length of time. (I’m not sure who determines an acceptable length of time to play tech games, but I’m pretty sure I exceed it.)
Not all people struggle with this idiosyncrasy, but I do. “Hello. My name is Rita, and I am a list-maker. I make lists of tasks I want to get accomplished, and sometimes I will do something extra just to write it on my list so I can cross it off.” What a distraction to spontaneity for household chores!
Yeah, I know. I need counseling. The good news is I have an appointment with my pastor this Sunday and every Sunday at 9:00am. We meet with a large number of other people all there for the same reason – to focus on what God has to say. These meetings are guaranteed to keep one’s attention focused on life-changing instructions, encouragement, and promises of good things from God’s Word.
Things like: “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” ( Corinthians 2:9) Can you imagine what God has planned for us! Pretty much makes the toy kaleidoscope insignificant, wouldn’t you say?
Be encouraged. “No distraction has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the distraction will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
I think I wrote this blog for my benefit as a reminder to myself how easily I can be distracted by ‘innocent’ diversions of things of the world. I needed to hear what God is saying to me – to focus on His beauty and not on the world’s enticement. By the way, I truly don’t mind if you read the blog with me.