Easily Distracted

Some years ago, I wore a t-shirt that read, “Easily Distracted.” It was a bad joke, actually, which played off of the fact that though I’m now a proud redhead (thanks to my beautiful and talented friend, Grace), originally, I was blonde. And as a young girl, I was also pretty innocent, naive, and gullible. Some people might say I was, at times, “airheaded.” And thus, the joke was born. And I accepted it. And wore the t-shirt.

Since then, I’ve rejected the “airheaded” label. I’ve begun reminding myself that I’m not an idiot or foolish. I’m actually quite intelligent, creative, and perceptive.

But I’m still easily distracted. Just in a slightly different way…

In Chapter 2 of Jerry Bridges’ book, “The Discipline of Grace,” he says, “We must not become so preoccupied with the sins of the modern-day culture that we ignore the needs in our own lives.” (Bridges, 32)

I have to admit, I find that problematic.

You know, it’s not that I’m in an ivory tower, looking down on the world below me, seeking faults to pounce upon. I live in a society where I’m constantly inundated with the hard news around me. Not too long ago, it was terror attacks in Paris, then closer to home in Orlando (among other places). Last week, human rights workers from International Justice Mission were kidnapped and brutally murdered in Kenya — a place where I have many friends and which is dear to my heart. And this week, there is someone burning homeless people to death in San Diego. It’s hard news that my sensitive heart just can’t look away from. I am magnetically drawn toward it, aching with the people who are most directly affected by the suffering. And the whole while, I’m distracted from what is going on much closer to home — and in fact, in my very heart.

Jerry Bridges’ words this week are a reminder to stop, put down the remote (or the mouse), and take inventory of Sarah. What needs — physical, emotional, and spiritual — do I have that need attending? I’m worried about murder somewhere else, but is there anyone I’m being angry and short-tempered with that I need to deal with? It’s right to be bothered by injustice in the world; it’s not right to allow that to cause me to miss the injustice in my heart, my thoughts, and my actions.

Who’s with me?

Today is the second week of our most recent book discussion. Thank you for joining us here! As always, you don’t have to read the book to stick around and chat with us. Our doors are open to you! But if you ARE reading the chapters and writing posts on your own site about them, you’re welcome to link up at the widget below. Make sure to visit my co-facilitator, Jason, at www.endlessimpact.com. And remember — we love and appreciate you!