As I was pondering this week's prompt, "distraction", I was only thinking of the negative side. As in when I think of something I need to do during my prayer time. I get distracted from focusing on Jesus.

Then I had an "aha" moment. There is a positive side to distraction. The definition is simply this, "an object that directs one's attention away from something else." I realized I have been experiencing this almost every day.

Spring has been stunning this year! God's beautiful creation has been a distraction from the reality of the mundane. My pace has slowed since I have fewer places to go. I have enjoyed seeing His beauty on my way to work in the sky and on my walks. Enjoy these pictures from a few trips in the past year that give glory to the Creator! 

I have distracted myself from the endless news cycle and have rediscovered Spotify. I can turn my fear to faith by listening to peaceful, worship-filled music that helps clear my mind and relaxes my body. Check out this beautiful song of how God is our "Shepherd" that my husband introduced to me this morning.

(Provided to YouTube by Absolute Marketing International Ltd Shepherd (feat. Leeland) · Nashville Life Music · Leeland Shepherd ℗ 2020 Integrity Music Released on: 2020-03-27)

I have distracted myself from isolation and worry by reaching out to friends and family through a text, phone call, or Zoom chat. Sharing an encouraging word or a simple prayer for their health and well-being helps me feel more connected. 

My prayer for all of us is that we would be distracted from the negative and daily choose the positive. I am challenged by Philippians 4:4-8. May we be joyful, gentle in our response to others, saturated in prayer, and overflow with gratitude. I want to fasten my thoughts on God's glorious works and praise Him always. (my paraphrase). Here it is in its entirety in The Passion Translation:

"Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!  Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.  Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.  So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful, and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always."

This post was prompted by Kate Motaung's "Five Minute Friday," which she hosts on the Five Minute Friday website. Kate posts a single word each week and each blogger sets a timer for 5 minutes to write and then posts, with little editing. (Some weeks I have more trouble with that part than others.) Check out the other writers on this topic!