Devotions for the Distracted HeartSample

Day 4 - The Distraction of Dominos

Do you remember playing dominoes? It is one of our favorite family games. Typically we scatter the dominoes face-down on the table for each person to take a few. Then by matching the dots on the tile, each player proceeds to create a line or a “train” in hopes to be the first one to get rid of all their dominoes. In addition, my grandchildren also enjoy creating patterns by placing each domino vertically on end in a sequential line only to be destroyed quickly by toppling one domino into another creating a chain reaction.

Sometimes life can be like these vertically aligned dominoes. I try to carefully plan and schedule each day’s activities to be perfectly synchronized, only to be quickly demolished with one unexpected disruption. One unplanned interruption has the potential to start that chain reaction that feels like falling dominoes, leaving me with the job of rebuilding, realigning, and rescheduling.

Do you ever feel like you have your obligations and activities all lined up (some would say that all your ducks were in a row), only to have one fall out of line destroying the expectations for the day. I don’t think this is how God wants us to live, lining up our activities like dominoes with no room for flexibility. It’s fine if everything falls into place as expected, but if one false move can ruin the rest of the day; it’s time to think about leaving some margin of time. In addition, if we have every activity so tightly scheduled, we miss the opportunity to hear the Lord’s soft, still voice opening doors to unexpected blessings. 

One thing I learned, during the COVID lockdown, is that I enjoy having margin in my schedule. When I slow down and am intentional about my choices, I have time to be available for new adventures, ways to serve, and even rest. Instead of stacking my obligations so closely that they are vulnerable to fall like the vertically aligned dominoes, I try to allow enough space between each activity so one detour does not have the ability to destroy the entire day.

I'll admit, some days this is easier than others, but if I am purposeful about where I obligate my time, I have a better chance of having the flexibility that margin provides. One of the gifts I receive by doing this is God’s peace. 

Prayer:

Lord, 

I offer to you the activities of my day, my schedule and demands. I know I do not have the power to predict or control the moods of my children or emergencies, but I desire Your presence and peace in the midst of the chaos. Help me to be intentional about learning when to slow down, take a breath and be thankful for little things. If the dominoes happen to start falling anyway, please give me the strength and patience needed to pick them up. 

Amen

Discussion and Journaling Questions:

There are several things that increase our awareness of God’s voice and His direction for each of our lives: 

• Spending time with Him daily 


• Praying unceasingly 


• Reframing losses into redefined blessings 


• Expressing gratitude often

How will you fix your eyes on the road ahead and not be detoured by distractions and inconveniences?