Weapons of Mass Distraction

I'm a sucker for HGTV or the Food Network or NBC news or... Often I wish we had no TV in our house. But even if we didn't have one, other time stealing distractions would find their way into my spiritual and creative life. Oh, need I mention this little flat technical device that rests so nicely on my lap - connecting me to the entire world with one easy click...yes, even my computer and Internet become a distraction. Sadly, I could be like Chuck Noland, stranded on a deserted island with no people, blackberry, errands, work, traffic, Facebook updates, and I'd STILL be distracted. Most distractions, however, are not external...but are internal.

We will never be 100% free from distractions this side of eternity. But they sure can rob us from the things that are most important. On Tuesday, I was having lunch with a close friend and she shared how distractions annoy her terribly. I could relate. She said that when she's inspired creatively - that is when the distractions hit the hardest. "Oh, an idea for a writing project! But, I need to reply to that email first. It will only take a second." Right. Only a second. An hour later and the inspiration as passed. No engaging creativity that day. Same story the next day and the next.

I believe there is something uniquely special about engaging in creative endeavors, and in those endeavors we encounter God in intimate ways. So of course, distractions will creep in and keep us from doing such things. BUT, distractions are not the only things that rob us of time with God...slothfulness is a biggie too. More on that in another post.

How do you keep distractions from distracting you from your creative endeavors and quiet times with God? First is awareness. Knowing that it's happening - when you are pulled away and excuses are made - is half the battle. If you are like my friend and like me, the feeling of sorrow then follows, "why do I let it happen!?" Paul illustrates this beautifully in the seventh chapter of Romans - verse 15, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." Second is intentionality. Because I know I'm prone to distractions, I seek God's grace and ask for His help to avoid things that distract me. I want to be intentional with meeting with Him through my creativity. He wants that too. So, asking for His help is never bad! But I must put forth effort as well.

Creativity is placed in us by God. His desire is that we explore this gift as an offering to Him - to create beauty and express what He's put on our hearts. It's a high form of worship.

May you be free from annoying distractions that steal you way from the lap of God - and may you create freely in His presence as you experience a oneness with your Lord.

Grace & peace on the creative journey ~ deAnn

(c) 2009 deAnn Roe. Image is from Flickr.com