Shiny Distraction

Seth Godin posted a thought on his blog recently titled, "Beware The Nile Perch". Here's an excerpt:

"There are bright shiny objects you can bring into your life (that project, that employee, that new office) that might just push the other useful items aside. You get hooked on them or they demand more attention or they make too much noise and the less-shiny projects or people whither away..."

As you lead in your ministry, there are "shiny objects" that will push the "less-shiny" to the side. The shiny may be fun for a short time, but in the long run there may be a price to pay.

What are the shiny things in your life right now?

What are the less-shiny, more vital things/people in your life?

Which things are winning your attention?

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Comments

[Bill (cycleguy)]

Stab me in the heart will you? Here it is... shiny: church, cycling. Less shiny: my relationship with my wife. Reckon I better do some polishing.

[Geek for Him]

For me it was my iPhone. It was taking too much of my life away while with my Kids. I have since gotten rid of it, a blog post explaining it, soon to come.

It was a device that allowed to many distractions to be "okay"

[Scott Couchenour]

sorry, Bill. if it helps, I would share some of my polish, but I'm about out. :)

[Scott Couchenour]

Matthew, I read your post. I want to share an excerpt...

"...Slowly but surely I have been battling contentment issues, issues with being in the moment with my children and I wanted to do something about it. Outside with the kids, I would have my iPhone ready to fill a “boring” spot in the day. Check my email because I could, text because I could, see who was winning the games because I was outside with the kids..."

This is powerful. Sometimes what seems logical to have, is completely upside-down from what God says. For you, it was the iPhone. Good for you.

* For those reading this comment, go to this link to read Matthew's post:

http://geekforhim.com/iphone-no-more/

[jasonS]

If I kept a formal journal, it would be as if you are reading it. I am dealing with some shiny, unneccesaries right now. Well, it's more like God is doing surgery and removing them. I know it's good for Him to do it, but they've become attached so it's painful. Thanks Scott.

[Scott Couchenour]

attraction to the shiny is very common, Jason. I'm not surprised it hits home. Think of the surgery more like childbirth. Although the pain is intense, it will lead to a beautiful life of expanded love...

(NOTE: I have never, nor will I ever, know what real childbirth is actually like. I only compile what I hear others share.)

:)