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Wondering about Wandering

Writer's picture: Michelle A. JamesMichelle A. James

I don't know about you, but several times throughout any given day, my mind will become overactive with a host of thoughts on a myriad topics. I'll be engaged in one activity or another, such as cooking or cleaning, or even while reading a good book... yet somehow during the process, something will popup spontaneously in my thoughts.


Yes, I am wondering why there's a wandering. What is it that causes this to happen? There you are, minding your own business, attending to some important matter, or engaged in a random, simple task, and voila... out of the blue, some topic, or an image of someone or some thing, triggers your mind to become distracted.


Distractions.


We are intent on focusing our attention on getting a task done. We make our well laid-out plans and have a projection of their completion. But somewhere along the way, something or other will interrupt our steps toward that goal. An obstacle, a challenge, an occlusion, a distraction...


Such a distraction may be negative and toxic, or may be positive and creative in essence. I often wonder if it may be a signal to pause and reflect about that specific distraction. If it's a person, whether to contact that individual. If it's some thing, to reflect on the reason for its intrusion. If it's a topic, to perhaps engage in a discussion or write about it as a ministry to someone else.


Could these interruptions be God's way of getting our attention?


In a New Year, many will gravitate to the idea of starting fresh in several areas of their lives. They will make resolutions to upgrade or improve their lifestyle. They have good intentions and a positive mindset at the start, but somewhere along the pathway they had in mind, that straight and narrow road becomes one that's inundated with potholes, cracks and crevices. This leads them to veer off course and make detours, which eventually delays their point of destination.


Getting back on track.


The challenge is in making the choice to keep your mind and its activities well-guarded against such distractions. Thoughts in themselves are powerful, therefore it is crucial to refrain from especially being drawn away by enticements and temptations that would lead you from your intended goal.


In this new year, make this your daily habit, one step at a time, one moment at a time: to be careful in what you allow to overtake your thought life.

Yes, the distractions may come, but it is up to you to choose what you will allow to stay and what you will cast out.

It may take much self-control, but with determination, perseverance and practice, it will prove to be extremely beneficial in the long run.


*On a final note: you will need a certain strength to do this. Not your own, which is undependable, but on a greater Power within you. Reliance on God determines the outcome.


Applicable Bible Verses:

  • Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. (Proverbs 4:25)

  • I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)


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© 2024 Michelle A. James 

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