When I started keeping Sabbath a little over six months ago, I was
easily distracted from focusing on God and resting. I had little
discipline in these areas. I had hoped by now that I would have
conquered this. Sadly, I still find it challenging at times. I can
say that I've had time to practice and improve!

Distractions are a great tool of Satan. He knows that if he can pull
my mind away from what God wants for even a second, he can easily get
the upper hand. Distractions can come in the form of thoughts about
my schedule for the upcoming week, any form of technology, worrying,
my kids, and so much more. Just about anything can be a distraction if
I let it cause me to stop doing what God intended.

When I was laying on the coach, enjoying some quiet time with God
while my family was napping, I heard God telling me to get rid of the
distractions. It is obviously an area I need to work on. Maybe
because I like to be in control at all times. When I truly stop to
rest and hear from God I have to turn over the control to Him. Then,
sometimes if I listen, He asks me to do things that cause me to
relinquish even more control.

I don't think I have ever connected distractions with a control
problem. But it seems very true that my mind can be full of the
things I want to control. If I could turn each distracting thought
over to God on Sabbath and let Him handle them, I would also be
allowing Him to be in control of my life.

I'd like to get a better grip on this sooner than later. I hear from
more experienced mothers that distractions increase as kids get
older. I know some families who fill up their nights and weekends
with so many activities for their kids that they rarely have time to
stop and enjoy each other as a family or spend quiet time with God.
It makes me especially sad that these families I know do not keep
Sabbath and miss out on the refreshing opportunity that God gives us
to stop all distractions and find His peace.

So my mission next Sabbath is to turn over my distractions to God at
the beginning of Sabbath. And I will work to recognize when a
distraction is creeping in throughout Sabbath and immediately turn it
over. My husband had a suggestion for me- when I can't get something
out of my mind because I am afraid I will forget it later, just take a
second to jot it down so I can take care of it after Sabbath. It is
like taking it off of my mind entirely.

I am also aware that God wants me to work on getting rid of
distractions in my day-to-day life. So much clutter and busyness
means missed opportunities with God and teaching my kids to do the
same. This is a big task that will take much time and discipline, so
all prayers are appreciated!

Hope you had a wonderful Sabbath!
Until next week,
Lisa G.