Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race 
marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
It’s amazing/scary how easily distracted I am. I’ve always been this way. I don’t know if it’s ADD or what. I can tell you that it is very frustrating. When I was about eighteen, I was working at Dion’s Pizza in Albuquerque. My boss, Connie, was giving me a performance review and was sitting with her back to the street. I don’t really even remember doing it, but I was continually distracted by whatever was happening out on the street. Connie, who was definitely a no-nonsense kind of person, said, “If you look out that window one more time, you’re fired!” Needless to say, I found the wherewithal to focus my attention on her and the subject at hand. (See Controlled By Bit and Bridle)
Now, twenty-four years later, I still have problems focusing on any one thing. So, I’ve learned that I need to do some things to make it easier to pay attention:
- If I want to talk with someone, don’t go to Bobby V’s (or any sports bar)
- It’s best to sit with my back to the window
- Because of my hearing loss, I need to read lips – this helps me focus for obvious reasons
- While I’m working, I listen to music on my headphones to drive out the sounds around me – this works most of the time, but not always
All these tricks are fine, but what about life? What does one do when life gets full of distractions?
More coming later…if you have comments or would like to preempt what I might write in the next entry, fire away.
