Focus: Avoiding Distractions
"Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions" (Proverbs 4:25 MSG).
My grandson, Zach, asked me to help him with his two new Lego sets. But he planned to just spill them all out together on the floor. So, I suggested that he empty each box on a different tray to keep the pieces to each set separate.
As Zach opened the first box, he examined the instructions carefully. Then, with a look of panic, he asked, "Nonnie, could you help me?"
I sensed Zach's frustration, as he looked at all the tiny pieces on the tray. But when I suggested he look at the Lego directions, one illustration at a time, he began to focus in on the project. "Zach, let's look at the first picture, what pieces do you need?"
Zach picked up two pieces, putting them carefully together. Then, he looked at the next picture, trying to concentrate.
Eventually, the movie that his sister, Jill, was watching began to distract Zach. So, as long Zach chose to watch the movie, he had very little progress with his Lego projects.
As I observed Zach, I realized that I was just like him as I struggled to stay focused on some important projects. Even though I still panic at times, I know that I must embrace the process, one step at a time.
Zach also reminded me that I needed to re-examine my priorities and the distractions around me.
Photos/KarenJordan
What is distracting you from the important projects that you desire to complete?
My grandson, Zach, asked me to help him with his two new Lego sets. But he planned to just spill them all out together on the floor. So, I suggested that he empty each box on a different tray to keep the pieces to each set separate. As Zach opened the first box, he examined the instructions carefully. Then, with a look of panic, he asked, "Nonnie, could you help me?"
I sensed Zach's frustration, as he looked at all the tiny pieces on the tray. But when I suggested he look at the Lego directions, one illustration at a time, he began to focus in on the project. "Zach, let's look at the first picture, what pieces do you need?"
Zach picked up two pieces, putting them carefully together. Then, he looked at the next picture, trying to concentrate.
Eventually, the movie that his sister, Jill, was watching began to distract Zach. So, as long Zach chose to watch the movie, he had very little progress with his Lego projects.
As I observed Zach, I realized that I was just like him as I struggled to stay focused on some important projects. Even though I still panic at times, I know that I must embrace the process, one step at a time.
Zach also reminded me that I needed to re-examine my priorities and the distractions around me.
Photos/KarenJordan
What is distracting you from the important projects that you desire to complete?
Posted by Karen Jordan at 9 Aug 2011 
Categories: Building Legacies, Blessed, Equipping Disiples, Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: anxiety children child discipline distractions encouragement grandchildren negative thoughts stress writer writing prompt
Categories: Building Legacies, Blessed, Equipping Disiples, Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: anxiety children child discipline distractions encouragement grandchildren negative thoughts stress writer writing prompt
Really enjoyed this post, Karen!
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Thanks again, Mary! I really appreciate your comments!!!!
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