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October
3, 2006
The
Dreaded Disease of Distractitis
One of my children struggles with a frustrating condition
which I call Distractitis. It is a malady
that affects one's ability to concentrate on what she
is supposed to be doing. It is triggered by distractions
around a person whether real, imagined or created.
Last
week my child's symptoms of Distractitis were accutely
evident. She couldn't focus on her school work, chores
were left half finished, simple requests would be forgotten
- followed by, "Oh, I forgot," or "I was
just …."
My nine-year old daughter doesn't mean to get distracted;
it just happens. And from what I hear, she may not be
the only kid who struggles with this disorder.
Last
week, however, she was experiencing a dreadful case of
Distractitis, so dreadful that we implemented all the
treatments we could think of to help remedy the symptoms.
First, we attempted the "timer trick." We challenged
her to beat the timer, followed by offering her a reward.
Next, I moved her to the solitude of her room. Then, I
turned on classical music trying to help her concentrate
on her work. That treatment was followed by, turning off
the classical music. Finally, I sent her outside . . .But
there, even the birds distracted her! After being distracted
several times in one hour, I was exhausted and ready to
implement punitive therapy!!! "If only she could
focus," I thought.
Has anyone in your home ever experienced this debilitating
disorder? Unfortunately we have probably all been stricken
with it at one time or another. In my daughter's defense,
however, I'm beginning to think that it is a hereditary
condition! Because, you see, her mother struggles with
it as well! Those who struggle with the problem would
tell you that they don't mean to forget what they are
doing; they were merely distracted . . . they lost their
focus.
A
few Sundays ago, I was in church, but my mind was far
away. I was supposed to be worshipping, focusing on God.
But, I was distracted. It seemed that the harder I would
try to concentrate, the more I struggled to stay focused.
My mind wondered to thoughts of those around me, what
they were doing, or thinking or wearing. My mind kept
focusing on all the wrong things.
It
was awful. I was ashamed. Out of frustration and disappointment
with myself, I thought, "I can't even focus on God
in church . . . how sad is that!" Tears welled up
in my eyes and slipped down my cheeks. "I give up
trying," I muttered to God.
In
that moment my sight became very focused. I was very aware
of how weak I was and how desperately I needed His supernatural
intervention in my life. My focus was finally where it
was supposed to be . . . on God's power.
Let
me ask you a question. When you sit down to have a quiet
time, go to church, or pray during the day, do you have
trouble staying focused? What is distracting you (besides
children)? Is it fear and worry about the known or unknown?
Perhaps you are preoccupied by bitterness. Someone has
hurt you and you cannot forgive him/her. It may be that
you cannot focus on God's love and acceptance because
you struggle with jealousy or comparing yourself to others?
These conditions not only distract us from focusing on
God, they keep us from connecting with God.
If
you are struggling to keep your focus on God, first, confess
to Him what is distracting you. Secondly, take any action
He is leading you to take (e.g. seeking forgiveness, talking
with someone, discontinuing the gossip- sharing "the
thing" with others). Thirdly, re-focus on God. Hebrews
12:2-3 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author
and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before
him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who
endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will
not grow weary and lose heart." How could
we lose heart when we meditate and focus on what Christ
did for us? That is the perfect cure for Distractitis!
______________________________
Father,
I confess that I am so easily distracted. My mind is so
cluttered with selfish thoughts. I give up trying to do
this on my own. Forgive me of the sins that so easily
entangle me, and convict me of changes that need to be
made in my life. Thank You, that You never lose Your focus
concerning me. "You are attentive to all
my ways.... You have laid your hand upon me." (Psalm
139) I praise you, Oh Lord for your love, mercy and forgiveness.
Thank You for strengthening me as I "fix my eyes
on You" In name of Your Son, Jesus, I ask Your blessings.
Amen.
-Laurie
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