In a world of non-stop notifications we can't help but find ourselves hopelessly sidetracked at every turn.
Our phones buzz and beep with the promise of a text from a friend, an email update from an employer, an offer too good to miss, a precious picture from the family, or a love finally requited and we are compelled to read it and respond without delay. Yet in doing so we find ourselves suddenly absent those in our physical proximity and, worse still, the present itself.
It seems at times we want nothing more than to shut off our phones and the distractions they entail, but stop short when we consider what we might be missing. Cut to Proverbs 4:
“Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.”
Solomon encourages us here to watch over our hearts, which I take to be our focus, time, and value. We are charged to discard the extraneous pieces that fail to contribute to our purpose.
The problem is that many of the things that sidetrack us are not inherently bad. In fact many can be quite good and are often neutral at worst. However, these fringe items detract from our finite daily emotional, physical, and mental energy. And while they may provide us with momentary joy, they rarely leave us with lasting satisfaction.
For, as the saying goes, good is the enemy of great. We all aspire to live a full life, to have the experiences and relationships that would make for a captivating bestseller. Unfortunately the undisciplined life we default to is more likely to manifest itself as a shallow tabloid.
"Simplify" by Bill Hybels captures this thought I'll paraphrase: Absent decided order, we advance one inch in 100 different directions instead of making real progress in a select few. In trying to please everyone along with my own fickle nature not only do I achieve less, but I rob the truly significant of their just focus. For the road to achieving significance in my life begins with the word 'no.' No I don't do these 100 other things, I do these three things, and I consistently dedicate the whole of my effort and energy to them.
This isn't to say we must remain laser focused every moment of our lives. We inherently understand that to be an unsustainable way of life. However, actively choosing when and where we engage ensures we remain on track with our ultimate goals. Dabble this week in the art of 'no' and reclaim some precious time from those all-to-alluring distractions.