Distractions

Several years ago I had a job that was very demanding. From the time I clocked in until I clocked out, every minute of my day was spoken for. I had to be efficient with my time all day long to ensure that every task was completed before the end of the day.

A couple of other employees that were there when I started ended up quitting and they were replaced with others who had no experience in the field whatsoever. The new ones had no idea what they were doing and, unfortunately, the company wasn't exactly known for their ability to train. It was basically a "let's throw you out, sink or swim" type of deal. I was blessed because I had worked in the industry before and had some knowledge of what to do and how to handle my tasks and time.

I remember one new girl in particular who was sweet and pleasant to me but always seemed to need help. Now, given the fact that I will do anything for anyone, I would always stop what I was doing and help her when she asked me. I really didn't think much of it at first, but after about a week I noticed a pattern. There were certain tasks that had to be done that weren't my favorite because they required more time and I quickly learned they weren't hers either. So each time she ran into one, she called out to me to help her. Over the next month, I watched her as she would call to me to help and then just hand it over to me to do for her. I started out by assisting her but ended up doing it for her.

As the days went by, I noticed that my to-do list wasn't getting done. Every day there were things that were left undone by me, which was unlike me. I wondered what had happened to my ability to manage my time well. I tried to think what had changed to cause me to diviate from the strict pattern and just allow it all to seemingly fall apart. I didn't know where I'd gone wrong.

One day, at the end of the month, my boss brought me into the office for an evaluation. I listened as he told me what I was doing right that was pleasing to them as a company and it made me happy. Then he began to read the list of things that I'd neglected to get done that month. I nodded my head in agreement at each thing he told me because I knew it was true. I said, "yes sir" to every one of the uncompleted tasks and when he asked me what had happened, I offered my explanation.

I told him that since the new ones had come on board, they looked to me to help them, one girl in particular. I told him how she always called on me for help and that I felt it was needful for me to offer my assistance. I told him that she hadn't been properly trained and I felt sorry for her because I knew the overwhelming nature of the job and I didn't want her to fall behind.

As I spoke I watched him listen intently and I knew that he would understand why I hadn't completed my work for the month. When I was finished, he put down his pen and looked me in the eye and said, "did you know your co-worker completed ALL of her tasks and she gets to bonus off them?" I was in shock. How could it be that she completed hers but I didn't? How could it be that she was going to get a bonus for something I had basically done for her? My heart sank.

He went on to explain to me that he had hired me to do the work he wanted me to do. He said that if someone was having a problem in their job, I should have told them to call the training department and ask for more assistance. He explained that although I had been a great employee in the past, it bothered him to see me falling behind because of distractions from others. He said I need to do what he hired me to do and not get caught up in those who call out from beside me for help but to keep my mind on my tasks and let others do theirs.

This memory came to me when I thinking about some things that have happened to me this week. I took a new job as a freelance writer for a publishing company almost three weeks ago. It pays really well, but I've busted my hump trying to get things done and turned in on time. I began to notice that my writing was taking priority over some things that I do daily. My to-do list wasn't getting completed each day. At first, I let it go by saying, "I'll get to that tomorrow, one more chapter today". But then tomorrow came and I had not only that day's work, but the thing from the day before, plus my writing job, my housework, MY books, my blog, etc. Something had to give.

What's the one thing that always seems to take a back seat to other things? Our scripture reading time. Well, for me anyway, and I hate that it does. I love the Word of God and I honestly enjoy diving into it and learning about Him. But for some reason, (the enemy) I put it on the back burner thinking I would catch up the next day. Well, the next day came and my boss piled more writing on me. Then the next and so on, until I just stopped and listened to the Holy Spirit tell me what was wrong.

Like my boss that day, the Spirit of God showed me that distractions have allowed me to take my mind off of the most important thing and focus on those things which could really wait. That was an eye-opener. If you guys know me, then you know that writing is my calling and my passion. I love to write. I have given God back the gift He gave me and now it's being used for Him, but I have to watch myself that I don't get so caught up in my gift that I forget Him and His Word.

I remember hearing Joyce Meyer speak once about how even she can get caught up in her work and forget personal time with our Savior. She said that although her work is for God, she still needs that one on one, alone time with Him in His Word. I agree. I have to have that time or I feel lonely for Him.

I read an article that described almost the same thing I'm speaking of. The man said that there are distractions that can cause you to drift from where you should be. It can be work, or friends, or housework, or anything that will cause you to get your mind from God and His Word. I don't want that in my life. Like my boss evaluated me that day and told me what I was doing wrong, I think God brought it to my attention so that I can manage my time better. What good is a job doing what you love to do when you are neglecting the one you love?

My bottom line here is, don't allow distractions to get you side-tracked from what you know you're supposed to do. Whether it be in a job, or in your spiritual walk. There will be things that come along, I promise, that will try to get your focus off of the tasks at hand, but it's up to you to stay the course and finish the work.

Nothing is worth taking our eyes off of our destination. Hearing Him say "enter in my good and faithful servant" is my primary goal in life.

Much love,

Christy

Helpful Verses:

1 Corinthian 7:35; Mark 4:19; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Romans 12:2; Proverbs 4:25; Mark 6:31; Luke 10:38-42