SQUIRREL!

Proverbs 4:27Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.Today's Episode:SQUIRREL!One of my favorite characters from Pixar’s Up is Dug—the talking dog who can be completely focused until something moves in the distance and suddenly…“SQUIRREL!”His head turns, his attention disappears, and whatever mattered five seconds ago is forgotten.Incidentally, my middle name is Douglas—so…yea…I totally get Dug!I can be working on something important when a notification appears, a new idea flashes or some shiny possibility catches my attention.Before I know it, I’m researching something I never planned to research and walking down a road I never intended to travel.SQUIRREL!Proverbs 4:27 says,“Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”That word sidetracked creates a powerful picture.A sidetrack was originally a secondary railroad track where a train could be moved off the main line. The train may still be moving—but it is no longer moving toward its intended destination.That’ll preach!Because being busy and being on course are not the same thing.You can answer messages, chase opportunities, investigate fascinating ideas and remain in constant motion—while slowly drifting away from the work that actually matters.And notice that Proverbs connects being sidetracked with our feet.A distraction may capture your attention, but your feet determine whether it becomes your direction.Not everything that catches your eye deserves to redirect your life. Not every opportunity is your assignment. Not every interesting idea needs to be pursued today.Some things aren’t evil in themselves; they become harmful when following them causes us to abandon the path we were called to walk.That means focus requires discernment: recognizing the difference between something that is good and something that is good for me to follow right now.So don’t condemn yourself for noticing the squirrel. Curiosity can be a gift. The wisdom is learning when to look—and when to keep walking.Pause. Remember where you were going. Then point your feet back toward what matters.Because a sidetrack doesn’t always begin with rebellion.Sometimes it simply begins with something interesting.SQUIRREL!🔥 REMEMBERDistraction becomes direction when your feet begin following it.🙏🏽 PRAYERGod, steady my attention and guide my feet toward purpose.🎯 TODAY’S CHALLENGEChoose one thing you need to do. Set a two-minute timer and in your mind’s eye, watch the entire thing being done. See how long you can stay with it before your mind goes “SQUIRREL!” When it does, gently return and finish the assignment. At the end of the two minutes congratulate yourself.About the AuthorFred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch📱Experience Proverbs Daily by Subscribing!Ready to receive daily wisdom directly on your phone?Go to proverbsdaily.org for the app  or just click that Subscribe button right now! Get full access to Hey Fred Lynch! at heyfredlynch.substack.com/subscribe