We continue to discuss the varying distractions that plague us on any given day, and today we’re peering into the distraction of others. Yes, people can be both big distractions and big blessings in our lives, cant they? And it’s wise to keep this truth in perspective. This distraction of others is a big one for many of us, and the thing is, some of us may not even realize it.
You’re focused on a task at work and someone disrupts your workflow.
You’re reading something important and one of your children bounds in the room, and in a high-pitched squeal yells, “Mom!”
This distraction may affect us more than we realize.
Or you’re making dinner and a friend texts you and asks, “Do you have time for a phone call now?”
Or you just got settled in for the night and you hear a knock on your door.
This distraction of others is what I consider an external distraction. It’s a distraction that originates outside of ourselves. And it’s a unique distraction, because we can’t just block people out of our lives or turn them off, like can with other external distractions like our phones or the t.v. So, this distraction takes a bit more discernment, care, and yes, love than dealing other external distractions.
But I could spend all day listing example after example of how other people distract us. Don’t get me wrong here. This isn’t always a bad thing. It’s just the way it is. Because we do life with other people. We live with other people. We work with other people. And we are thankful for the blessings of these people in our lives. (At least for the most part we are, right?)
Because when someone distracts us, they want our attention now. They want us in that very moment.
The distraction of others says, “Notice me now.”
And many of us do. I know I do. But do we always need to? Is there a way we could delay the “notice me now” to “I’ll notice you in a moment?”
We ponder this further, look at an example in the Bible, and share five ways to overcome this distraction of others with grace and kindness.
Click on the player above to listen to the full 14-minute episode.
The distraction of others doesn’t have to be a relationship breaker if we handle it right and seek God first. But just like any other distraction, this matters. I pray for God to give you and me His wisdom and discernment in this area. Thanks for being here today. I’m cheering you on. God bless you!
Links in this episode:
- Nehemiah 6:3 NLT
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT
- Access my free Resources here
- Encouragement for Real Life Community
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