Always check the pockets.
That’s my golden rule for laundry. Mix darks and lights if you must. But always check the pockets for the stray kleenex that will shred tissue onto every freshly-washed article of clothing.
In Bob Goff’s newest book, Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy, we’re reminded to check our pockets.
“It’s what we put in them or keep in them that can become distractions. Regrets, resentment, hurts, and misunderstandings are all things that can become huge distractions.”
Physically, I usually have my phone in my pocket. Too often, I know. Phones are one of our major distractions. Bob says,
“Lose the handheld distractions. Think of phone use as cheating on your family.”
Ouch.
But mentally, the contents of my pockets can carry more weight than my phone.
- Some days I stuff my pockets with the distractions of a rigid schedule.
- Or ruminating on events from the past.
- Or wasting time trying to solve a situation beyond my control.
These distractions keep me from focusing on my most important purpose. . . loving who I’m supposed to be loving at this moment, in this place.
That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t plan, or think about things from the past, or try to solve potential problems on the horizon. Those also can be loving things. God gives us brains to be used for good.
But as Bob points out, it matters less what we are doing, and more why we are doing it.
“It doesn’t matter what the work is; it is who we become in the process of doing our work that does, and the goal is to look and act more like Jesus while we do it.”
So I’m cleaning out my pockets again this morning. I’m working on clearing my head, thinking healthy thoughts, and having clearer vision.
I won’t do it perfectly. I never do.
But at least I can keep a few shredded tissues out of the laundry today.
Quotes from Undistracted
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Bob Goff’s book, Undistracted:
“Don’t be distracted by how different you are from everyone else. Our hearts were meant to beat together, not the same.“
“Boundaries are good; barriers aren’t. If you build a wall, make sure you install a door or two.”
“Don’t get distracted thinking about what your next move is or whether you will be acknowledged for your efforts. Go love people in extravagant, wildly inefficient ways by speaking words of beauty into their lives. Your words have that kind of power.”
“It’s been said that there are two kinds of people. Humble people and those about to be. Be humble and you won’t be distracted trying to look important.“
“I used to spend my time doing things that worked. Now I’m trying to do things that last. It’s a subtle difference but an important one.”
Featured Post
Bob Goff is a wonderful storyteller. But telling our stories is something we ALL can do.
Our featured post this week is from Leslie Newman. Read her post here for motivation on telling your own story more often, then add your own blog links below.
“5 Reasons Why Your Story Matters”
What is in your pocket? Share in the comments.
my thanks to NetGalley & Nelson Books
for the review copy of Undistracted
Thanks for sharing, Leslie! Here’s a button for your blog.
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