Driven To Distraction

Karen

I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.

—Psalm 18:3

Mom, quick—look at that lady!” my fourteen-year-old son shouted as we were headed down the interstate on an errand-running Thursday afternoon. “She should not be doing that,” he added for emphasis.

I glanced over at the car next to us, expecting to see someone without her hands at the ten and two o’clock positions like my by-the-rulebook boy does when training behind the wheel. Instead, I nearly ran off the road while gawking at what he had spotted.

Next to us was a woman cradling her cell phone on her right shoulder, holding an open fast-food salad container in her left hand, ripping open a salad dressing packet with her teeth and her right hand . . . all while steering her car with her knees!

What in the world!? I thought. Surely if she kept up this multitasking method of driving, she was going to cause a crash.

I would never attempt to do all of that when I drive, I smugly thought to myself. Entirely too dangerous and probably against the law.

It wasn’t until later that night it hit me. Yes, I may not dangerously multitask when driving, thereby risking collision. But in my day-to-day life? In my schedule? In my “sure-I-can-take-on-one-more-responsibility-so-everyone-will-like-me” way? I sometimes dangerously multitask to the point that I am headed for a crash.

Taking on too many responsibilities, no matter how “good” they may be, can often render us ineffective for service to God.

On one of my so-busy-I-couldn’t-breathe days, I read today’s verse. While I’m sure the author, David, was talking about actual physical enemies—people who could chase, catch, and ultimately hurt you—I realized that day my enemy was overcommitment. Too many activities and responsibilities were about to do me in. They chased me, cornered me, and, worst of all, were about to go in for the kill.

Thankfully, God can rescue us. He invites us to hold our too-full plates up to Him, allowing Him to scrape off any activities that aren’t in His will. This lets us say no to multitasking and begin to focus on the things God may have for us.

When this happens, we can create space in our calendar to retreat and find sweet respite when we connect with God. Times when we slow down and sit still to listen and learn from the Creator of time itself.

So, how about it, friend? Let’s start focusing on what God has for us before we crash and burn!

Dear Lord, forgive me for allowing busyness to overtake my life, crowding out others and, worst of all, You. Help me as I purpose to place only those items on my plate that You long for me to have. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take a few moments to jot down all the commitments and responsibilities you have said yes to that are optional—meaning not a part of your home life or your employment if you work. Next, prayerfully look over the list, asking God if there are any you should bow out of because you no longer feel called to them or you only took them on in the first place because you have a hard time saying no.