From the moment I fell in love with a top-heavy-head-two-year old, I knew that one day there would be a girl who would begin to consume his thoughts.
I knew I wouldn’t be the main chick in his life forever.
I watched in amusement how at age 3, he called both Erin and Peyton his girlfriend.
I acknowledged that he was growing up when he told our waitress she had pretty eyes when he was 6 years old.
I even understood completely when he started giggling uncontrollably the first time he heard the word “boobs.”
But I was not expecting this “1000 shades of red” situation when you merely mention the name of a particular girl in his 4th grade class. It seems too soon for him to be crushing so hard on this little girl, who gives him token gifts weekly, who he shares his bubble gum, who he emails in the evening, and who is forgiven when she kicks him in the shin.
Who is this little girl who is stealing my son’s attention at age 10?!?!?!?!
I can’t even pretend to know how God feels about particular situations, but I would be willing to guess that God feels a similar questioning or exasperation when we start to pull away from Him…or when other things grab our attention more fully than our relationship with Him.
Our work, worry about finances, our newest technology/gadgets, dating, planning parties, eating…the list goes on and on…all potential distractions from God.
It’s dangerous to shift our focus from God to other things. Not only do the distractions cause a separation between us and God, it also leads to more sinful behavior. For instance, the distraction of social media, could lead to unhealthy relationships that aren’t God honoring. Likewise, removing focus from God can cause increased stress, fear, anger, and anxiety.
Fear not, God gave us directions to avoid distractions! In 1 Corinthians 7:25 (NASB), scripture says, “I say this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.”
Each morning while praying, I ask the Lord to deliver me from the distractions of the day. It’s a conscious effort to focus on God, rather than the world. It helps me set my sights on the Lord. But if I’m honest, that doesn’t “stick” most days. Despite a daily attempt, I often fall short and become distracted. I know a God of grace and I just try again and again to be better.
It’s clear that the 4th grade crush is a distraction to my son, just as the clutter of the world can become a distraction to me concerning my relationship with God.
Stay strong this week as you divert your attention away from the distractions of the world!
~Emily
Iron Porch 