In preparing for my YW lesson yesterday, I came across this picture that made me stop in my tracks. It struck me that there are many "whales" in our lives that are easy to overlook when we're caught up in the distractions of daily life. The older I get, the more I realize that it takes a concerted effort to turn off the distractions (whatever form they may take) and allow myself time to feel the quiet---to listen to what's inside of me, to truly connect with the people around me, and most importantly to hear what God wants me to hear.
I used it in my lesson, then again for Family Home Evening last night. What kinds of "whales" do I miss by being too busy and distracted? Maybe a friend who could use a some TLC, or an opportunity to sit down with a child who needs some extra attention, a beautiful moment that's happening before my eyes, or maybe just a quiet prompting to make a small change in my life.
"There are countless ways [to be distracted] from what is most important. Follow the adage “Be where you are when you are there.” When you are driving, drive. When you are in class, focus on the lesson. When you are with your friends, give them the gift of your attention. Your brain cannot concentrate on two things at once. Multitasking amounts to quickly shifting your focus from one thing to another. An old proverb says, “If you chase two rabbits, you won’t catch either one.”” -- Randall Ridd
I used it in my lesson, then again for Family Home Evening last night. What kinds of "whales" do I miss by being too busy and distracted? Maybe a friend who could use a some TLC, or an opportunity to sit down with a child who needs some extra attention, a beautiful moment that's happening before my eyes, or maybe just a quiet prompting to make a small change in my life.
I don't feel like I've overcome my jet lag quite yet, nor have I gotten caught up on the household tasks we left undone by leaving on our trip a day early, but I am here. I am ready to engage. I will see the "whales" and embrace them.
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| Picture Source: Instagram via Yahoo News |
"There are countless ways [to be distracted] from what is most important. Follow the adage “Be where you are when you are there.” When you are driving, drive. When you are in class, focus on the lesson. When you are with your friends, give them the gift of your attention. Your brain cannot concentrate on two things at once. Multitasking amounts to quickly shifting your focus from one thing to another. An old proverb says, “If you chase two rabbits, you won’t catch either one.”” -- Randall Ridd
Great lesson. Makes me wonder how much I miss because its too close and too big and I am distracted by too many unimportant things. Love the picture.
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