My mind is like a blank slate as I look at my computer trying to be focused. There is so much distraction around me since the kids have been on vacation. My room which is normally my place of retreat has become everything to everyone. Not that I am complaining because having the kids around is such a blessing that I appreciate without reservation. I only think about the fact that my usual routine can be easily thrown out of the window if I am not careful. I am drawn to a passage in the bible that speaks to “Obedience being thicker than blood” (Matthew 12:47-50). Jesus was in a room with some people, someone told him his mother and brothers were outside and were there to see him. He immediately replied that the people who were obedient to God are his brothers and sisters and he did not go outside.

In another instance, Jesus as a young boy had traveled to Jerusalem for the pass-over feast with his parents, Mary and Joseph. He had remained behind in Jerusalem unknown to his parents. Mary and Joseph were looking for him (Luke 2:41-52), when they found him in the temple with the teachers and questioned him he asked  “why are you looking for me, don’t you know I am about my father’s business”? Persons without a real understanding of what Jesus meant in these two sections of the bible may consider it harsh, but it speaks volume to how we should prioritize our lives (and who comes first in our lives). It speaks to being obedient to God’s call in our lives.

So as much as I welcome my children and am happy that they are with me, I cannot be distracted. I have to remember who comes first; after all it is my prayer and God mercies that cover their lives. It is my growth in Christ that sets an example for them to follow. God comes first above everything else that we have in our lives; not in a selfish way but in a way that shows that we understand who takes care of us. We should give him the respect and acknowledgement that He deserves to get. We should not be distracted by what is going on around us. There is so much danger in distraction.

So as I write this I have asked my children to give me my time so that I can focus on God. So that I can draw from him all that I need to survive today. So that I can become in-tuned with him, so that my spirit is restful and joyful, this will make me a better person when I interact with them.

I know where my priorities lie; I put God first above all things.