Distracted….or not?

As many of you know, I began my cross-country road trip about two weeks ago. When I decided to make the trip, I intended it to be a “voyage of discovery”, not so much about discovering who I am but more about opening myself up to and discovering the what and where of my higher purpose. To that end, I collected various personal development audiobooks that I would listen to during drive time along with course work that I’d work on during down time. I even replaced my car’s stereo system with one that boasted Bluetooth and MP3 capability so I wouldn’t need to pack the actual CDs. Yes, I was ready and about to be on my way to my higher calling.

Some of you didn’t become aware of my plans until several days before my departure while others had been aware of them from the moment I began toying with the idea and it’s been the latter group that brought me to the realization over the past few days that something is missing. I’ve been on the road for almost two weeks now, and it’s been a blast! I’m getting a kick out of visiting new places, sightseeing, taking pictures and sharing them with family and friends. But by day’s end, I’m tired and all I want to do is “shut it down” for the day.

It’s often said, ask the question and God will provide the answer. Well, several of you have often asked me how it feels to be doing what I’m doing and a few have even suggested that I blog my thoughts, feelings and discoveries along the way. And again, it’s the latter group that made me realize that something is indeed missing. So, today I discovered what’s missing as I sat here in Midwest City, Oklahoma listening to this morning’s broadcast of Becoming Who I AM. Today’s topic was ‘What’s Distracting You?’ In her post about the show, co-host Cassandra-Nkem Nwosu went on to ask, “What’s keeping you connected to everything but your higher self? Do you find that when you’re distracted you tend to put off what you should be doing?”

While visiting new places, sightseeing and taking pictures are integral parts of my trip, I’m also supposed to be doing some growth work. Am I? No, at least not in the way I intended. Why not? Because I’m distracted. I find myself doing everything but what I’m supposed to be doing when I do manage some down time. Instead of listening to an audiobook, I’ll sit there literally forcing myself to watch TV even though I clearly don’t feel it. Then the next thing I know, I’m asleep. And interestingly enough, I’ve journaled only once since I’ve been on the road where before it was a weekly, if not daily, activity.

The next morning, I take a few moments to thank God for the new day and for this new life. I then ask that He continues to guide me along His perfect path, read Joyce Meyers’ ‘Promises for Your Everyday Life – a Daily Devotional’, grab some breakfast, and then I’m off to my next adventure.

As I type this, it occurs to me that perhaps I am on schedule and that this morning’s show was God’s way of alerting me that it’s time for me to take my next step. That instead of forcing myself to watch TV, I should spend the time reading, writing or completing the coursework I started months ago. So, instead of berating myself for what I haven’t done, I’ll say, “I got the message, God, and thank you for your continued guidance.”