Sometimes our attentions are divided. We call it multitasking. We try to accomplish one thing while attending to another. If you have ever tried to write an email while listening to a child, you know how hard this can be.
But sometimes, it is unavoidable. Driving in busy traffic for example. We need to be keenly aware of the surroundings, while still doing the functional job of driving.
I like the story of Nehemiah. The Israelites return from Babylon to rebuild the city walls. At this time a city without a wall was a sitting duck. Raiders, invaders and other threats had no obstacle between their intentions and the city of Jerusalem.
The surrounding people mocked Nehemiah, they didn’t respect the Israelites or their God. These men had to split their focus. They needed to be alert to danger, while they put in the hard work of repairing the wall. A brick in one hand and a sword in the other.
Maybe we as a people have let go of our swords. We have been so busy building and being productive that we have forgotten to protect ourselves and our families. We have let down our guard.
Nehemiah 4: 16-18 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
Roberta Writes 