Heaven’s Heartbeat - Distractions
I love the story of Edith, a mother of eight. She must have been some gal, full of grit and grace, mothering such a lively brood. One crisp afternoon, the usual clamor of her five youngest children—aged four to ten—fell silent. That was a warning! Setting aside her laundry, Edith peered through the kitchen window and froze. There, in a tight circle, her children knelt around five baby skunks, their fluffy tails twitching innocently. Heart pounding, she flung open the door and shouted, “Quick, children, run!” But in the chaos, the children, wide-eyed and giggling, misunderstood. Each grabbed a skunk and bolted—through the garden, toward the barn, into the neighbor’s yard—scattering in every direction with their odorous prizes.
This story, shared years ago by Charles Swindoll in his book, The Quest for Character, paints a vivid picture of how easily we, as followers of Christ, can misinterpret Jesus’ call to “go.” In a world brimming with distractions—shiny, fleeting things that seem initially harmless—we often grab hold of them and run in different directions, much like those children. Yet these pursuits can lead us astray from the mission which God has entrusted to us. I’ve been reflecting on this, and I suspect you feel it too: the pull of distractions that cloud our focus on what truly matters.
Today, I write to inspire you to recognize distraction’s grip and reclaim the clarity God intends for you.
Distraction is a thief, subtle and relentless. It’s the buzz of notifications, the allure of endless scrolling, the drone of 24-hour TV news, or even the comfort of routine that keeps you from deeper purpose. Jesus warned of a world in “distress with perplexity” (Luke 21:25-26), a chaos that pulls us from His call. Like the children with baby skunks, we grab what seems harmless—only to find it leads us astray.
Distraction doesn’t just steal time; it robs you of destiny.
Jesus’ mission is clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). This is your calling, too—to be a living, breathing conduit of His truth and love, reaching every nation, tribe, and tongue (Revelation 7:9). But distraction scatters us, making us consumers of faith rather than contributors to God’s kingdom work. When Jesus calls us to “go” (Acts 1:8), He empowers us through the Holy Spirit to be witnesses—locally, nationally and globally. Yet chasing distractions is like running with a skunk—it’s futile and leaves a mess.
Why is distraction so dangerous? It dulls your spiritual senses. When you’re caught in the noise of the world, you miss the Shepherd’s voice. The Holy Spirit longs to guide you, but constant diversions drown out His whisper. Isaiah 49:6 reveals God’s expansive vision: to make you a light to the nations, bringing salvation to every nation on earth. Distraction shrinks that vision, confining you to the immediate, the trivial, the temporary, the stuff that won’t matter two minutes from now. It keeps you from the eternal impact you’re meant to have.
In Matthew 9:36-38, Jesus saw the crowds—confused, helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. His response? Compassion and a call to action: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The harvest awaits—people ready for hope, freedom and truth. But distraction keeps us huddled around novelties, peering at what doesn’t matter. Every moment spent on fleeting things is a moment not spent reaching a soul, sharing the Gospel, or building God’s Kingdom. You’re called to be a worker in this harvest, not an absentminded bystander.
You have the power to overcome. The Holy Spirit equips you to refocus, to lay down distractions, listen and actually hear the voice of your Creator.
Start small: carve out quiet moments to pray, read Scripture, or serve someone in need. These acts realign your heart with Jesus’ mission. The world’s chaos will always vie for your attention, but you can choose to fix your eyes on Him. Every step you take—every act of obedience—draws you closer to the day when every tribe gathers around Christ’s throne, shouting, “Salvation belongs to our God!” (Revelation 7:10).
Distraction is your foe, but Jesus is your strength. Let go of the skunks—the worries, habits, or comforts that pull you away. Embrace the Spirit’s power and step boldly into your calling. The harvest is waiting, and your purpose is too vital to be blurred, diluted or scattered.
