Distracted

Patricia Day, pattersday@gmail.com, Used by Permission)

I left home to pick up the current catalogs of a major retailer, and on leaving my car, I tucked my keys into my waistband and proceeded to the store. There, I got distracted.

There were some stunning pieces of jewelry and beautiful ponchos that I just had to check out. Eventually, I refocused and inquired about the latest catalogs. I loaded up with all the ones I had not seen, and left to return home; the only problem was — I couldn’t find my keys! They had vanished!

I checked and double-checked my purse, my pockets, the store counter, and yes, the display where I had been trying on the exquisite bracelets. The keys were nowhere to be found.

At this point, the store owner noticed me and joined in to help, as did another customer. Bewildered, I checked everywhere once again — I even started tapping my vest and pants for any “lumps”. Sure enough, I found my keys — right where I had put them — in my waistband! “Good gracious,” I exclaimed, “I can’t believe I did that.”

The store owner, trying to make me feel less of an idiot, said, “Oh, I do that often; not to worry.” This did nothing to make me feel better. I wasn’t worried; I was embarrassed and  I departed hastily. I was astonished at how easily I had slipped into what I refer to as a Sometimers’ Moment (sometimes I remember, and sometimes I forget). I didn’t even feel it coming!

Once I regained my composure and had a cup of tea and a slice of pie — comfort food — I got to thinking about how easily we can lose God in our hurried, daily lives. He is always with us, ready to be found at any time, and yet, we have the tendency to become distracted with the “glitz and glitter” of the world. (I didn’t even think to ask Him for help in finding my keys.) How sad He must be when we do that. He is greater and more beautiful to us than anything we can find on earth, but so often, He is out of sight, and we keep Him out of mind.

And you will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity. (Jeremiah 29:13-14a, NKJV)

Prayer:  Father, we are so sorry that we allow ourselves to become distracted with the ‘stuff’ of the world and tend to not include you or dwell on you.   Please help us to focus on you.  In Jesus Name, Amen.