There are always obstacles that seem to get in the way of what our real intentions are. Interruptions such as phone calls, a computer that keeps freezing, kids who must find something right now or else, or the dog who barks at you because he wants to go out again for the 12th time.
Sometimes while I’m driving across town, I hit every red light sequence making myself even later than before. It’s at that moment, I feel God is trying to get my attention – that it’s time to slow down.
Of course I don’t realize it until I feel like I want to scream.
Whatever it is, obstacles can take a day that looks promising and make it very frustrating, so we have to find a way to refocus and get back on track so we don’t lose the entire day.
Anything can distract us – like the phone that’s now ringing (I’m laughing as the phone keeps ringing while I’m writing this). So what if we took those distractions and saw them as God’s way of rerouting us?
That’s when I can take a step back and see that some obstacles are a blessing in disguise.
A chance to evaluate what’s most important to spend my time on. An interruption that makes you pause and refocus, especially when you have less time and you need to pick the one thing that needs to get done first.
I can feel it even now. I’ve had this idea for this blog topic all day and due to a variety of things, it’s now 5pm and I’m finally writing it. But I didn’t want to not do it. So many times I have an idea and I don’t go for it and then later I can’t remember what it was I wanted to write down. In a way, the frustration forced me to say if there is one thing I do before I start dinner, what is it?
So when you feel obstacles getting the best of you – do not give up.
Walk away and focus on something else for a bit.
Write a list of what’s on your mind.
Go drink a glass of water.
Whatever it is, you need some sort of momentum and progress in order to help overcome the moment.
Don’t stop. Keep pushing forward. Don’t give up! Even 15 minutes on task is 15 minutes more than before. And the determination that comes from refocusing can help you gain greater progress.
Take a deep breath, say a prayer and ask God to help you. That’s what I did and I really think this message is more from him than me because of it.
Blessings,
Denise