Depth, compassion and love are the tools Carol uses in her written communication. She paints pictures with words and develops concepts into application. As a mother of two daughters, one twelve years old and the other two years old, Carol is busy but makes time to express what she is learning about God in her life.
Real Focus
by Carol Ilbery
Distractions. We all face them. They seem to be a master at disguises as they have many faces. To my dog, it's something as minor as a breeze to--what is major to him--someone on his "property" (really anything within his line of sight). For my two-year-old, it's a cool toy or neat sounding beat.
And yes, despite the constant reminders I have received over the past months, my distractions keep coming and seem to change appearance every encounter I have with them. I can't seem to shake them; can't seem to manage my time better; can't seem to keep my focus on God. Somehow, the day always seems to escape me before I realize it; my chance to meet with Him and read/hear His precious words are gone.
Night after night, I please forgiveness for failing Him yet again.
And, yet again, I am comforted by our Loving Father as He holds me and whispers words of love to me as I drift to sleep. I start off upset and anxious; despaired at not taking more time in the relationship with my Heavenly Father. And, just as He does with us all if we ask, He meets me where I am; holds me; forgives me; understands me--just where I am. He knows here I will be and He shall be there, too.
What an awesome Lord we have. While every night, I replay this routine, He still comforts me. He completely understands that it's hard to find time to read while a baby is climbing on you, wanting your undivided attention anytime it appears you are doing something without her; the dogs need out; the water is boiling over; the laundry needs to be done. Yes, He meets me where I am. He IS where I am--throughout the day and knows just where my heart is.
Perhaps these "distractions" aren't distractions after all. Perhaps they are God's means of molding me into what He needs me to be. They are ways of ministering to my family, taking care of them and showing them His love as well as mine.
It always amazes me how everything is linked together and works to accomplish His will.
