There is no question we all do things that are “off the wall.” Some might call them stupid. We are surprised, not just by our own actions, but also by those of others. We roll our eyes at what some people do or say, or we can’t believe what we do or say!
I recently read about a lady who went to see a doctor with two severely burnt ears. The doctor said, “In all of my years of practice, I have never seen anything quite like this. How did you burn your ears?”
“Well,” she said, “I was ironing and watching TV. Suddenly, the phone rang. I answered the iron instead of the phone and burned my ear.”
“That’s horrible!” the doctor said. “But how did you burn your other ear?”
“Can you believe it?” she said. “The idiot called back!”
Okay…so other than the groan that just escaped our lips and the chuckle that maybe became more than just a chuckle, what did you think?
Roll your eyes? Shake your heard in disbelief? Did you groan and chuckle some more? Did you comment about the sheer stupidity of some people? Or maybe all the above?
I’d say the woman was a little flaky. Okay, more than just a little. But even more, I’d say she was a bit preoccupied. I mean, how do you? Never mind.
Preoccupation is dangerous. Preoccupied driving, for example, is really dangerous. How often do we hear about not texting and driving? Trying to have a serious conversation with a preoccupied person is a lost cause. It’s like talking to a brick wall. Preoccupied people have skewed priorities. We lose sight of what is in the moment, what is right in front of us.
Jesus once said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” The “these things” refers to the daily necessities of life.
He has promised; He will deliver…and you can’t burn your ears worrying (being preoccupied) about it.
That story/joke brought a grin.
It did me as well. Thanks Glynn
I think this post is timely (for me) in that I have been thinking a lot lately of my focus, my preoccupation, my priorities.
God is definitely speaking to my heart. I have been getting distracted more and more and haven’t been able to put my finger on it. When I say distracted, I am not speaking of divine moments of God adjusting my focus… I am talking… SQUIRREL!
I am working on a plan to help with this and your noted text from Jesus is key to making that happen.
I chuckled about the SQUIRREL! I think reorganizing priorities is essential from time to time. I will pray for you.
I got a good chuckle out of that story this morning Bill, thanks. It is so easy to say I want to search for God with all my heart and make His kingdom my top priority in my life, which I do believe I truly want, and yet I get distracted so easily. I know that there is nothing more important than God, so why do I spend time wasted on unimportant things that do not advance the kingdom. Life is distracting, and it takes deep focus and commitment to keep God first, something I have to work on constantly.
I’m glad I made you chuckle this morning Gail. I certainly did as well. But, also like you, I struggle with the tug and pull of distraction and staying focused on what really matters.
The Lord recently spared me from having a serious car wreck when I was completely preoccupied. I certainly wasn’t texting but I had so much on my mind and was so deeply absorbed in thought. After it was over, I was very shaky thinking of the close call and how God had such mercy on me. I thought of my precious family and how they were waiting for me at home and how horrible it would have been for them to get such an awful phone call. Oh, dear Lord! How great is His faithfulness and His mercies surely are new every morning! Thank You, dear Jesus!
God’s protection sure knows no bounds. I’m glad He was there for you in your “preoccupied state” Cheryl. Amazing isn’t it how He takes up the slack in our life? I’m sure He is relishing hearing your praised and thanks.
I have to admit, Bill, that the iron story made me laugh, and I did wonder how flaky one would have to be to commit that act not once but twice! Then, I was reminded to look in the mirror and realize that I, too, can become preoccupied to the point where I’m missing the miracle right in front of me. Lord, let me live in the present and in your presence!
The story was funny but your take-away was the real message. I want to be present where I am and not miss God’s work, miraculous or “mundane.”