I realized a pattern in my behavior that I feel led to share with you all.

I’ve recently realized that when I find myself in troubling or stressful situations, I try to deflect by pursuing other things that will distract me from what’s right in front of me. I remember being in the thick of our PICU journey and a sudden urge to fix my bathroom arose in me. I remember sitting beside my child as she slept and aimlessly finding comfort in boho-inspired bathroom decor. Funny enough, I’ve noticed other occasions where I’ve deflected in the same way. Weeks before getting married, when my grandmother and father passed away, Hannahs arrival, and the list goes on and on. It seems that when my life is about to enter a time of transition, I try to run from the changes to come.

I can’t be the only person to experience this.

Although this outlook isn’t very dependable on every occasion, I’ve learned that this perspective isn’t all that sometimes. Hear me out. It’s very easy for us to become consumed in the stormy seasons of our lives. They take from us things that keep us together, they eliminate aspects that make us feel whole. They take our peace, faith, joy, and most of all, our vision. But what if I told you not all “distractions” were bad. What if I told you some distractions are God-led. All this means is that yes, things may not look like what I hoped at this point in my life, but what does the Lord want me to focus on right now?

This is definitely easier said than done. To recognize that your afflictions, can’t just have a negative impact on you, but that they also have to serve as a sort of ammunition to build endurance for a purpose.

Crazy right.

If this post did anything, I hope it reminded you to run the path the Lord has paved for you. Run in the direction of things that will serve your purpose. Let there be a personal conviction in you to keep pursuing them even in the absence of your desire to do so.

Bible verses on Endurance

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18