Happy Sunday! Have you watched the series Alone on the History channel? We have been binging this show, a reality, survivor type program where contestants are dropped off in a remote place with very few items. They film themselves as they try to build shelters, find food, stay warm, and safe. They can "tap out" or quit at any time, and whoever stays the longest, wins. Different things cause the participants to leave--hunger, injury, loneliness and boredom. I often wonder how I would respond to the quiet, to being alone with no electronics, no distractions. We are experts at keeping ourselves, our thoughts and activities, busy enough to distract us. Sometimes diversion seems good-- it keeps me from worrying and stressing about the hard things. But, distraction keeps us from paying attention to what is good, what is true, what is worthy. It prevents us from completely sitting with and fully experiencing our thoughts and feelings. I am working at finding those places and spaces, both in nature and in my thoughts, that allow me to pay attention to worthwhile practices and ideas--to the important things that draw me closer to Jesus.
