As a society we are intentionally a disciplined group. At least, that’s what we portray to ourselves and others.
- We diet – to keep our weight down
- We attend seminars – to keep our minds active
- We set appointments – to keep our socialization complete
- We have timers – to keep our life pro-active
- And the examples go on and on.
Our problem?
We are not always so disciplined. We overeat, miss appointments, stay home, veg out, . . .
I have noted two different areas in which our discipline breaks down.
Distraction – Our focus, or what we perceive to be our need for focus, is led down another track. Children are notorious for this – we wonder how they ended up with a peanut butter sandwich when all we had sent them to do was get a fork for lunch.
Our distractions are self-led.
Disruptions – Our focus, or what we perceive to be that which needs to be next in priority, is led unwillingly down another path. Refugees are a supreme example of those who often do desire to determine their own destiny, but are forced in another direction.
Our disruptions are other-led.
The question for those of us who wish to be disciplined?
Am I being led into the ditch of my own accord, or is someone else leading me?
When we answer that, we will know where our next step should take us.