If you are ever in my house and utter the word “squirrel,” our dog, Boomer, will pop up from a sound sleep, stop chomping kibble from his food dish, and even drop his favorite toy on the floor, run to the back door and beg to be let outside to chase the uncatchable squirrel.
Yes, the dreaded “s” word distracts Boomer from all things and causes him to focus only on his life-long desire to catch any one of the many bushy tail rodents who daily raid our back yard bird feeders!
Distractions—those things that take our attention away from what should be our focus.
And please believe me! I am the Queen of being distracted!
Last weekend, my husband left to help our son move to a different location in North Carolina. Rob said he would be away for about a week. I immediately planned to use this “alone time” to get back into writing.
Since Rob left I have cleaned the house, led online Bible studies and prayer sessions, paid bills, started cleaning out garden beds at our church’s community garden, participated in a birthday parade, took Boomer for a walk, navigated Walmart, worked from home, etc.
But have I written anything?
Nope. Not a word!
Why do I allow myself to be so distracted?
Truthfully, the state of our Nation dealing with this pandemic has thrown all of us off kilter. Everyone is trying to deal with it in their own way. Some of us are essential workers and are putting themselves at risk in an effort to help others. Some are high-risk or have compromised health issues and need to stay isolated causing loneliness and boredom. Many are fearful and have difficulty dealing with their feelings.
I don’t know about you, but I need to get my life back on the right track and put my focus back on God and all the great plans we have for the Atlantic District LWML!
Over the course of the next few months, we will be voting on new Mission Grants for the 2020-2022 biennium! We will be electing and installing new members of our Board of Directors! Newly appointed positions will be announced! And we will begin raising funds to support our $78,000 Mission Grant Goal!
National LWML is seeking nominations for a number of positions on their Board! Proposed Mission Grants are being requested! Plans are underway for the 2021 Convention in Kentucky!
When I choose to focus on all these great things, excitement grows in my heart and my hope is renewed. Let’s keep our focus on God and not the distractions surrounding us! Let’s remind ourselves that He remains in control, that He loves us, and He will never leave us!
Let’s toss aside all that distracts us and let’s run the race He has set before us to complete! Let’s ask God to make the 2020-2022 biennium the best biennium yet!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Linda Guteres
May, 2020