The Art Of Redirection

I LEARNED THE GREAT ART of redirection from parenting my kids. Sometimes in an effort to not completely squash their spirits, I redirect them instead of teaching them their thousandth lesson of the day. Instead of going into another drawn-out explanation about the foolish choice they are about to make, I simply turn their attention elsewhere and give us both a break from the unending “teachable moments.”

The simple redirect shifts us from a path of potential destruction and gives us a small victory that my kid can remember too. “Vivi, you didn’t throw a fit about having to wear those shoes! Bravo!” We can go about our day in a new direction without having to pound out the result.

Momma, I want that for you and me too. When we are tempted to worry, get frustrated with our kids or spouse, or feel lost in what’s next, we have the opportunity to redirect those thoughts and turn them into prayers. This will allow us to walk forward in victory.

Anxieties, annoyances, and unknowns can distract us from our great mission of shepherding our kids. The ability to turn these moments over quickly and set them on a new path is truly a gift from God—and a super practical one. So let’s talk about three types of negative, distracting thoughts that we can redirect.

WORRIES INTO PRAYERS

When worries creep in, let’s not try to hide those thoughts from the Lord because we feel like we should handle them on our own or because we are ashamed of our worry. Nope, let’s hand our worries straight to him. The Message paraphrases Philippians 4:6-7 this way: “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” If something is on our minds, we don’t need to try to push it out so we can pray about something else. God wants to hear about those things we’re distracted by just as much as the other requests. We don’t have the power to displace worry from the center of our lives, but God does.

FRUSTRATIONS INTO PRAYERS

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been intense—and that’s putting it kindly. It’s like I’m looking for a fight. My husband, Tyler, has been more patient with me than I deserve, and my kids love me something fierce. Still, my heart has been on the hunt for a reason to be frustrated. But one thing I’ve been learning recently is that when everyone around you seems extra annoying, it’s time to pray. Not just for yourself, but for the people who are frustrating you. This will help you start seeing them the way God sees them. The Bible talks about praying for our actual enemies (Luke 6:28) and how that transforms our hearts. How much more should we pray for our families when we start to see them as the enemy? So I started praying for my three and thanking God for them, and it put me on a new path of gratitude and love.

QUESTIONS INTO PRAYERS

I believe the fear of the unknown is responsible for many people not fulfilling a call on their lives. We panic, afraid that we’re heading the wrong direction, and the fear can be paralyzing. That’s why every question mark we face needs to be redirected to the Lord. As you go about your day and feel the abrupt pause of not knowing what’s next, lift it up to the Lord. Free yourself from having to figure it out on your own. We don’t have to spiral down as we face negative thoughts; we can redirect our thoughts as we open our mouths and pray. Try praying the words of David in Psalm 143:8: “Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” (NIV).

I am always humbled by how quickly prayer can change things. My circumstances don’t usually change on a dime, but the way I see them completely shifts as I commune with the God of the universe.

ACTION STEP

Write down one (or more) worries, frustrations, and questions, and turn them into prayers.

PRAYER

Father, give me wisdom and prompt my heart to pray when anxieties, annoyances, and unknowns start to take over. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MORNING QUESTIONS

TAKEAWAY TODAY | In what area of your life are you most in need of redirection right now?

What can you do to remind yourself to pray when you’re tempted to feel worry, frustration, or fear of the unknown?

DREADING TODAY | Is there anything you’re dreading today?

REDEFINING TODAY | If so, what is another way you can view that thing you’re dreading?

ASKING GOD TODAY | What request are you bringing before the Lord today?

EVENING QUESTIONS

REFLECTION | How did your perspective change as you redirected your thoughts today?

LITTLE VICTORIES | Where did you see God show up even in small ways, reminding you that you aren’t alone?

WHITE FLAG MOMENTS | When did you want to hide or escape today?

MEMORY OF THE DAY | What do you want to relish and thank God for?