Freedom from Distractions

The first quarter of 2007 is nearly gone. Time flies so fast, doesn't it? Three months just seemed to whiz by in a blink of an eye.

I did a bit of reflection today about the past three months and found that it had been a great time of growth and moving boldly and effectively in the areas of my passion and calling. In comparison, last year had been tumultuous and I found myself being distracted by many things. As a result of that, it was easier to know what I need to discard and put off so that I would have more focus in the important things this year.

These distractions can be very dangerous because they drain the energy from doing the things that I know I should do. They also give a form of false comfort and I place more importance in them than being where I should be. As a result, when I was there at the place of my calling, I wasn't giving my best, my all to it. Physically I was there, but my heart was somewhere else. Worse, I began to resent being there because it was taking me away from my oh-so-lovely time-wasters. I think it was God's grace that worked through me (the relunctant vessel) when I was there because of a sense of duty. People were still blessed by what I did - thank God that His love for them overwrote this distraction-filled person (me).

If I'm not careful, these time-wasters can easily creep upon me again. There are just so many distractions to list down but here are the main ones:

• Double-mindedness - having too many new things and nifty hobbies clamouring for attention that I do not know which ones to focus upon.


• Fear - that I'll be alone in this journey, that God didn't really call me to take up this path and His annointing won't be upon me anyway.

There are more distractions listed in this helpful and enlightening book Distractions From Destiny by Harry and Cheryl Salem which I read late last year when I was battling with my distractions.

Needless to say, I was frustrated with what happened last year and came to God in absolute despair, baggages, distractions and all. "Oh Father, only You can sort out the mess that is me!"

He is a good Father who helped me see what's important to discard and what should remain. And gave me renewed passion for the important things. With passion, things don't seem like a burden nor an obligation anymore. There is a great sense of fulfillment because you feel like you are doing what you were meant to do all along. And truly, that's the best feeling of all - next to being in love, of course

Ah well, it's just the first quarter of 2007. Here's to the next three quarters of the year. May it be an exciting, productive and distraction-free year for you and me!