Distracted

They can be a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e. They can show up e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. Hidden in technology. Piling up in the laundry room. Calling through the upstairs hallway in the form of tiny voices. Staring at you from the kitchen sink. And now, more than any other time of year, swaying your attention, at any given moment. By way of advertisements. Commercials. Facebook updates.

Distractions.

Disruptions. Interruptions. Interferences.

Something(s) that prevents you from giving your (full) attention to something/one else.

Sometimes, they are more than welcome, sweet friends. When my mind is whirling, and anxieties become too much. But lately, I have found myself more-and-more consumed with these tiny disruptions, which can accumulate quickly to an entire day lost. Wondering what exactly I accomplished. Pulling me farther and farther away from the foundation of my faith.

It happens all. too. easily.

Last year at this time, and for the four-five months previous, I felt the best I had felt in a very long time. Fulfilled. Happy. Worrying less. Praying more. Focusing on family. Writing. Gratitude. Discovering more about myself. And the future that we wanted to build for our family. And then just weeks later, my world felt like it came crashing in, as my mom experienced a very serious and sudden emergency, which shook our entire family.

And for whatever reason, since that time, I just have not felt the same. My focuses have shifted to all the wrong places. Change happened. A l.o.t. of it. And it has been all for the great. But still a little overwhelming. Staying at home full-time has not allowed me much quiet time. So, I find myself preoccupied with those tiny interruptions that quickly fill my plate. More than anything, finding its effect on my relationship with God. I used to say my prayers every. single. day. in the car. When I was alone. Now, I struggle to find the tranquility to prepare for my weekly Bible study.

Yet, I have continued to let things slip.

I have allowed myself to become far too distracted.

And in essence, I have lost part of myself.

My faith has always been very strong. And while the strength is still there, the time I have committed to that part of myself and my life has been wavering more than I would like. And here we are, just beginning Advent, I my heart is SO excited for this season. Still, the thought of a new little babe coming soon, fulfilling Christmas lists, preparing the house with décor, volunteering at the girls’ schools, and more…seem to surpass my excitement.

So, I have been pushing myself hard lately. Working overtime. To restore myself once again. Starting with a quote that I adore (humorous, but definitely one I love):

“Be the kind of woman, who, when your feet hit the floor in the morning, the devil says, ‘Oh no! She’s up!'”

YES! This is who I want to be. But finding that time of peace each day to talk to Him may require some creativity on my part. For my current Bible study, I am in the midst of finishing The Gospel-Centered Mom by Sara Wallace, and reading her words of advice could not have come at a better time:

“Don’t wait for the perfect time to read your Bible {or spend time with Him}. It will never come. Accept that there will always be some level of distraction. The Bible isn’t just for times of stillness. It’s for real life.”

Oh how I l.o.v.e. this!

This may mean, I open to my favorite verses while Baby Nugget is enjoying some coloring and Peppa Pig. Or, while the girls are in the tub each evening. It may mean eating lunch and cherishing some of my favorite words at the same time. Or devouring some much-needed Psalms refreshment in-between daily loads of laundry.

It definitely requires adjusting. My eyes. My perspective. My schedule.

But, I could not think of a more perfect time to leave the distractions behind and realign myself with Him. For, this is the most i.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.e. time of the year. Especially for our souls and spirits.

“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless” Psalm 101: 2-3.