Distractions
On North Morgan there is a shady swimmin hole surpassed by none (that is, if you discount the natural hazards of ticks, copperheads and cotton-mouth Moccasins). The rocks are warm; the water icy-cold; and the cliffs ruggedly uncluttered by TV antennas. On a hot summer day, one can lie beside the murmuring stream and fill his mind with peace...
And because it was reclusive, the family picked that setting as the ideal campsite for our vacation. We cautiously trekked our way up old, rocky Indian trails, which paralleled the clear water and arrived at the secluded campsite. Actually, we rode in an air-conditioned camper truck and, upon arrival, had to remove paper plates — but the road was rough!
I had in mind catching up on some writing at this feast of tranquility, but I had forgotten the demanding distractions of parenthood. For instance, the first day was filled with swimming, hunting squirrels, exploring, treating sunburn and scratches, etc. When night came, it brought a cool, gentle breeze from the creek and I retired to the upper bunk with pen in hand. THERE IS NO PEACE IN A CAMPER WITH THREE, SMALL, SUN-BAKED, THIRSTY, TIRED CHILDRENI
Actually, a secluded campout with the wife and children is not the place for concentration. While we never vacation from our faith, there are times when we need to shut the world out and be a family — to be together; to play together. If one attempts the tedious task of writing, he finds the vacation to be painfully distractive. Each is needful, in its own time and place; but this was not the time for writing. I laid my pen and paper aside and concentrated on the family. And I filed a mental note that may help us all in making lifes decisions. It is possible that temporary distractions may become eternal hindrances.
One man chooses a profession. He is well suited for his selected work, and advances quickly both in prestige and benefits. However, this blessing becomes a fearful distraction when he learns of Christs love for him which would compel him to believe and be baptized (Jno. 14:15: Mk. 16:16). His dilemma is real, for his work demands his full time and he cannot worship on the Lords Day. He must now decide between transitory distractions and eternal treasures. A man must make a living, he reasons, but is a living more important than life?
A young maiden is intoxicated with the love of a young man. Even though he is not a Christian, she believes that she cannot live without him. She, therefore, marries convinced that he will change — the chances are greater that he will not. Many, many times lips which once cooed tender nothings spit forth prejudices and sarcasms. And, even if the husband does not actively hinder her discipleship, there are constant, subtle attempts to distract her from her faith which make life in Christ difficult and frequently unbearable. The choice between family and God is never easy.
And distractions may eventually become our idols.verett