Balancing Time and Distractions

 

By Andrea Merrell

“I just can’t find time to write,” the woman said to me. “It’s always something—the kids, the dogs, the phone. Even my elderly neighbor who depends so much on me. When I get interrupted, I lose my whole train of thought, so I quit. Maybe this is not what I’m supposed to be doing.”

She was (and is), in fact, a good writer—and this is definitely what she should be doing. She just needed to shuffle her priorities, set some boundaries, and remove unnecessary distractions.

Distractions are inevitable, and they come in many different ways. For many, they come through texts and emails. We can turn off our phone, but sometimes can’t resist constantly checking those messages. For others, those niggling thoughts of all they should be doing instead of writing clamor for attention. It’s hard to turn them off.

So, what’s the answer? Unfortunately, it’s different for everyone because everyone is different. While some folks can accomplish a lot in fifteen-minute snatches of time, others need a larger block of time. Some play music and have learned to tune out the other noises around them while others need silence and solitude. Some work best at their desk while others do well with their laptop at a coffee shop or out on the patio. And we all envy those who can go away on a weekend retreat and do nothing but write.

The truth is we all need to find a balance between withdrawing and finding that time and place to think and write and yet being accessible to those who need us—and whom we need for inspiration. Jesus is our example. The Word for You Today says:

Jesus often withdrew from activities and prayed. To know people’s needs, He spent time with people. To meet people’s needs, He spent time with God in prayer. As a result, He was always in the right place, at the right time, with the right people, doing the right thing. And you must do that too. If you’re naturally withdrawn, then make sure to get out among people more often. If you’re always on the go, then remove yourself periodically so that you can be refreshed and refocused in order to accomplish what God has called you to do.

Could it be that the interruptions in our life—many times God-ordained—are what give us the best material for what we write? They let us know what people need most. Then spending time in prayer helps us know how we can best meet those needs through our words.

Have you found a balance between time and distractions? We would love to hear your ideas.

Photo by Charlz Gutiérrez De Piñeres on Unsplash