I must start this TFTD with an apology. I was recently attending a meeting that involved Methodists from outside the Ipswich Circuit on Zoom. A gentleman asked me how Bill the dog was – which surprised me somewhat as I had never met the guy before. It transpired that he had read the TFTD form the Ipswich circuit which some of you will know has featured Bill the dog from time to time.
It so happened, that once again my husband and I were called upon to look after Bill for the weekend. He has just had surgery and was on “bed rest”…how to keep a young boxer dog on bed rest was quite a challenge! I barricaded Bill and myself in a small room and logged on for our Zoom meeting. All was going ok until my husband, kindly, brought a cup of tea and Bill started jumping up, whining and barking. Thank goodness for the mute button!! Needless to say I was not able to give the meeting my full attention, for which I apologise.
How often are we distracted when God wants our attention? We are too busy, too tired. Others try to distract us, to tempt us away. Do we push the mute button, pretending we can’t hear? Where do our priorities lie?
I love having Bill to stay, but it’s quite a relief when he goes back home, and I can give my undivided attention to the tasks in hand.
God understands we all have different pressures and priorities, but how often and for how long is God your top priority?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we become distracted, forgive us when we put you on mute, and forgive us when you are not our top priority. Help us to keep our focus, to give you our undivided attention, to listen to your word and to respond willingly. AMEN