3 Mar

Distractions

posted by Mike Blackaby

I have two problems. The first is this: I am self-conscious and don’t like to look stupid. That does not work out too well with my second problem: I tend to make a fool of myself regularly…

I was excited as we drove to the video rental store. My brother Dan and I were going to chill out together and play video games, watch movies and eat junk food all night! Of course, as the eldest, this was the opportune moment to show my sibling just how cool his older brother was! We cruised up to the movie store, driving too fast with the tunes blaring and our shades on (even though it was nighttime). We strutted our way through the doors of Movie Gallery, taking our time and soaking up the envious gazes as we made our selections and proceeded to the front counter. There was a teenage girl working the counter. I flashed my most dazzling smile, and she blushed in response. As we exited the building, I caught something out of my peripheral vision. Could it be? I thought, Yes it could! There was a pretty girl waving to me from her parked car. Now was my moment to shine! I gave her the slight nod with the two-finger wave. Oh yeah, she totally…”BAM!” The next thing I knew I was laying on the ground with an extreme headache. As my world slowly stopped spinning, I looked up to see the large pillar into which I had just walked. I staggered to my feet and sheepishly shuffled over to my car where Dan was sunk low in his seat, trying to avoid anyone associating the two of us. As I struggled to unlock my door, I sneaked one last look at the girl. She was laughing hysterically.

Distractions are everywhere. So many things in life divert our attention from where we are going (or where we should be going). Each one of us is on a spiritual journey, yet the world constantly tries to steer our steps elsewhere. We get caught up in school, work, hobbies, relationships and a host of other things and our spiritual life gets neglected. We spend so much time worrying about the everyday matters of life that we don’t have time to focus on our walk with God and we can be headed towards a collision. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-33 not to worry about everyday things. God cares enough about us to work out the problems that face us each day. It is far more important to put time and energy into our spiritual lives. Verse 33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” If we are concentrating on our walk with God, He will take care of the rest. Life is a journey; be careful not to wander too far off track.

Filed in: Journey, Relationship

About the Author

Mike Blackaby is a 22 year old student who plays guitar in a rock band, loves to snowboard, play hockey, and cheers for the Colorado Avalanche. He is terrified of spiders, but loves reading fantasy novels, watching movies, taking road trips, building camp fires, and will do any roller coaster if someone goes with him. You can contact him via Facebook.

Read more about Mike here.