Leaky Hoses

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware.” (Luke 21:34 NLT)

My garden hose has had a leak in it for several years. I didn’t think it was a big deal since it was still usable for my purposes. Most of the water came out through the nozzle at the end. But sometimes the leaky spot would spray water into the garage, sidewalk, or too close to the foundation of the house. This was wasteful and damaging, but I just ignored it. Recently, the hose has sprung several more leaks. Now, the water pressure is lower at the end of the hose where I need it. Plus, the water is being diverted to many unintended areas.

As I watched my leaky hose sprinkling water in random spots around my house, it reminded me of all the ways I dissipate my time and energy. There are unintended distractions that pull me away from God’s purposes. But even worse, I intentionally use distractions as a coping mechanism to soothe myself. The latter is equivalent to punching holes in random spots in a hose. Some people use irrigation hoses with well spaced slits in them to keep their plants watered, but nobody with any sense would carelessly water the sidewalk.

What are the distractions in your life that dissipate time, energy, and other resources?

Cultivating self-awareness allows you to be attentive. Distraction, on the other hand, diverts your focus. This may temporarily relieve pressure. But sometimes pressure is a necessary force and dissipating it carelessly can be wasteful.

Don’t be complacent about distractions. They pull you off track. Loss of traction leads you down slippery slopes. Stay attentive. Remain aware of what habits you are watering and nurturing.

Lord, help me to be aware of all the leaky spots in my life. Do not let distractions dissipate my energy. Grant me the discipline to remain attentive.