The Dungeon of Distraction
By now most of us have been under at least a month long quarantine amidst the recent pandemic. City mandates, statewide shelter in place protocols, and nationwide dilemmas have run rampant. All stores, events, and venues have been shut down if not considered essential, and most of us sneak out beneath masks and gloves to get the things we need for ourselves and loved ones. Who would have ever thought things would be this way today? Lately, it appears that most of us fear our lives will never return to the way they once were. But should they? You know, we can easily get caught up in the luxuries of comfort, convenience, and casualness that we stray completely off course and miss the entire target. Perhaps our current circumstances are a call to examine the value systems we have created for ourselves and reevaluate our current courses in life. Whatever that course may be…take the time to look it over. Each of us is on a completely different journey, but we owe it to ourselves, and most importantly, the Father, to really come to an understanding about where we are as individuals.
So, for most of us…here we are! Nowhere important to be. Nothing to do (so some of us think). No immediate deadlines to meet. Home school. Hair and nail appointments are no longer completely necessary. Just the binge watching of shows, social media, video calls, games, and lots of eating between the fear frenzies that bombard us on the news. For some, it’s a state well worth losing your everlasting mind over. However, for those of us who remain to fight through this storm, I believe we’re overlooking blessing and opportunity. I’m a true believer that regardless of what we see or understand, God is always working for our good. He is still in control and forever will be. For this reason, I try my best to see the positive in every circumstance, no matter how bleak the situation seems. Take just a moment to ponder all the recent changes you’ve experienced and reflect on how they’ve brought you joy in some way…
I imagine you’ve recognized the blessing of time with your family and the opportunity to regain intimacy within your family unit – cooking, sharing, talking, and being creative together. Reset. If you’re single or alone, perhaps you’ve experienced a time of rest and an opportunity to reclaim your thoughts and passions – meditating, reconnecting with family/friends, doing what you like, and not what you don’t…because you don’t have to. Reset. All this time, space, and opportunity, yet we wallow in the dungeon of distraction. We remain focused securely on those things we’ve been trained to focus on and nothing more. God has slammed His fist into the reset button…and we’re on the verge of missing the entire event. Indeed, some of us will. Will it be you?
I’m unsure of the depth of what we’re dealing with here, but it is already defeated. I encourage you to take the time for yourselves and loved ones continually. Now and beyond. Take advantage of the opportunity you have to reexamine, reevaluate, and reset. It’s a beautiful gift. Learn something from it, expand, and broaden your mind, body, and soul. To those of you who have suffered personally with illness and/or loss of a loved one in this season, my heart and prayers go out to you and your families. All my love…and many, many blessings to each and every one of you.
