Turn Distraction into Devotion

 

I would not consider myself an easily distracted person, and yet I am. I have been noticing it a lot more in the last few years - the pressure to keep up with emails, texts, social media, technology in general I would argue does not increase our focus, but distract us from focus. I could harken back to the "old days" growing up when there was no internet and no cell phones, and computers were maybe one per household, not one or two per person. But we cannot deny the age we are in, and it's sweeping in quickly. So we must decide what to do in the "right now" we are in - how can we be more intentional, personal, human, and meaningful? This technology grows and changes day to day. One new program comes out, and two days later it is outdated. Not all development and technology is bad, but are all these things best for the common good? Or are they making tech companies richer and more powerful to the detriment of our humanity - focus, purpose, and meaning?

There's no easy answer to all that, and I am no expert, they are just questions that have been rustling around in me for a long while, and the more I see of the changes the more I see those willingly letting go of the deeper truths once known. Noticing this has caused me to want to choose to be embracing more of the lifestyle that includes: in-person, deep conversation, physical book, go to church, handwritten notes and journaling - things that bring joy to the human experience. I regularly unsubscribe from emails, unfollow people, and remove apps to only the ones I use regularly to keep my phone less of a black hole. I add Oxford photos here because no place is immune to these changes. My time in Oxford did not eliminate the distractions - I had to choose to ignore them or at least push them out until later, so I could focus on where I was and the time I had there. That's not easy. 

Questions have been swirling around for me - I have been asking myself how can I turn these distractions into more devotion? Remove the temptation. I am able to impact my own schedule and focus, I am able to make choices of actions I take and words I pay attention to. These things shape me - where my focus is, is also where my devotion is. May I focus more deeply on the Lord in every day.

This day to serve thee as I ought,
Nor sin in deed, or word, or thought - 
To make for my self-will amends
By loving thee in all thy friends
And helping others as I may
With kindliness throughout the day. Amen

Making focus part of my routine is key. If I am being swept around like a leaf on a blustery day, I have no direction and I am lost. No focus will come to my time. I've set myself the time for the prayers of the liturgy of the hours for morning, evening, and night. I keep that book at a very handy spot on my desk for the morning, and by my cosy chair for the evening, so it's right there and not forgotten.

From all ill dreams defend our eyes.
From nighty fears and fantasies:
Tread under foot our ghostly foe,
That no pollution we may know.

Starting small has been my goal, and as I implemented these things the more I wanted to add, so I add another small thing, prayers on the Hallow app, then I will add more, reading a devotion book. And before I know it these things are part of my day and it's funny how when I give myself to these devotions, everything else works out as needed but my worry is not on those other things. It's funny how taking our eyes off ourselves leads to a more fulfilled and happy life. It's funny how when we do the opposite of what the world wants us to do (be distracted by all the empty, shallow things) we can have a more peaceful, purposeful life. It may not provide all the answers at this moment, but it keeps our eyes fixed on the only One who deserves the devotion and our lives will be directed along His path.