Distraction and My Frustration

A million distractions can keep us from what we want to do. This morning, I hurried toward the computer with a bright idea for a blog post here. Oops. Little brother occupied the computer chair, clicking busily away at a computerized puzzle. "Oh, Jake," I said, "I need the computer." He whined back at me. "Oh, Kate!" So I consented to let him finish his game, hoping that it wouldn't take too long. At that point, Emily, my sister who is approaching the 2 year old mark and still not potty trained, bounced up. My nose followed a unlovely scent to her diaper, and I knew for sure that I wasn't going to be at the computer in the next 5 minutes. Sighing, I set my Bible aside, and marched her into to her bedroom for immediate attention. It was an ordeal--a very stinky one at that.

Finally, after many thoughts, a thorough hand washing, and a frazzled mind, I sat down at the computer. Writing a blog post, right? Home>>click>>RegenerateOurCulture>>click>>Network>>click>>Agent Tim's. Okay, today is Tim's birthday. I mused over this and commented, all the while trying to remember what exactly I was going to blog about in the first place. Jacob walks up again, chewing what smells like a strawberry starburst, right next to my right ear. Emily runs into my Bible, which was protruding off the edge of my chair and she starts crying. I throw into her bed--gently that is.

Now, here I sit. Jacob is quietly drawing, Emily is cooing over her books in bed, and the house is silent (for a very short while I'm sure). I can even hear the computer buzzing! As I meditate here, I realize that I can never blame all my distractions on those around me. Here I am, being distracted from my original purpose by this little frustration post. What in the world am I doing writing this instead of that!?

But that's beside the point. I realized that what I wanted to do isn't so important anymore. God wanted me to serve my family this morning.

I'm not so (notice the so) frustrated anymore. I know I didn't get that post up on Scripture memory that I had so much motivation for only 1 hour ago. But I also know that what I want to do isn't always important in the long run. I'm reminded of Philippians 2: 3-8.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

I'm going to close with this passage. Christ is the greatest example of servant-hood. Next time feel frustrated by the distractions of the needs of those around me, I should remember this passage. Next time you want to write a blog post and get distracted by other's wants and needs, you should too. Face your distractions and frustrations with the mind of Christ--esteem the needs of those causing distractions (unless, it's yourself) better than your own needs. Aren't you glad Christ did?

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(Kaitlin Atmore's advice to me when I started blogging-"Keep it short, no one likes to read long posts." I'm trying to do better. This post is about 25 words shorter than my last post--at least it was at one point.

Also, be sure to tell Tim and Matthew happy birthday too!
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