I’m dog sitting presently for one of my pickleball friends, and they have some lovely West Highland Terriers. These dogs enjoy chasing squirrels who equally relish the attention and chase games. Watching the gleeful squirrels plink the terriers is comical. As I enjoy watching these playful animals, I find that I chase proverbial squirrels in my own life when I struggle to keep a steady focus. Indeed, the various reminders on my phone, emails that ding on my computer, text messages or spam calls that zing my focus, to say nothing of my own thoughts that bounce around subjects and tasks—all of these things can be squirrels that sabotage my focus and diminish my productivity.
And perhaps you might have your own challenges with distractions and your attention bouncing everywhere. Here are some ideas that might help to vaccinate you against the tendency to get distracted by life’s squirrels:
Vaccination #1: Make a list of things you want or need to accomplish today, ordering it according to your priorities. This idea reminds me of Jesus’ reply to Martha when she was distracted with so many preparations and complaining to Him about her sister sitting at His feet to absorb His teaching. In Luke 10:42, Jesus says, “But only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Priorities can help us stay focused on what is truly essential.
Vaccination #2: Celebrate finished tasks. Seeing something through to completion can be very fulfilling and can create a reward pattern. Consider Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs 12:11, “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.” When I read Solomon’s words, I realize that we humans have possibly struggled with attention and focus throughout history!
Vaccination #3: Build in rest so you will have the energy to corral your focus. I say this because I know that when I’m tired, it’s harder for me to keep my attention sharp, and the “squirrels” get louder and more numerous. I think this is another reason God is such a strong proponent of the Sabbath and rest. To help with this vaccination, consider reading my blog from last week to see how Elijah rested so he could absorb God’s words about his future.
Vaccination #4: Manage your “yes” and “no.” I get myself in a pickle when I say “yes” to too many things. One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I have a tendency to overcommit, and I set myself up to be overwhelmed and frustrated with whack-a-mole living. This reminds me of what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:37, “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil origin.”
Vaccination #5: Slow down to keep some quiet and still. It can be a common pitfall for us to chase things that might seem important or meaningful, but such things can often be empty or offer only temporary pleasure. Such pursuits could include gaining wealth, fame or influence, image, power, etc. Solomon speaks to this idea of chasing the wind in Ecclesiastes 1:14, 17, 2:11, 17, 4:4, 6, 16 and 6:9. In contrast, Job gives us some insight that is simple but powerful. In Job 20:20, we read, “Because he knew no quiet within him, He does not retain anything he desires.” Keeping some internal quiet can be a vaccination against chasing the wind and empty pursuits.
Let’s be mindful so squirrels don’t sabotage our focus and trivialize our life!
