I am often found cleaning my apartment with either Eastern Block blasting or (a tad more subduedly) listing to a Yale humanities class via iTunes U. Yet, the other day for instance, I deliberately decided to mute everything to just sit, be, and clean within the apartment while talking with God.
While I enjoy being a multi-tasker, I find that in some situations–it is more detrimental than helpful. Take Sunday afternoon, for instance. My good friend (and loyal supporter–she has supported me even through my doubtful times) Cheryl Bak came over for tea. While we were chatting, I found myself taking the tags off of the journals I just purchased. I stopped myself, knowing that I was not fully paying attention to Cheryl, of whom I treasure as a friend. I know myself–when I multi-task (which is nearly constant), I am not focused on who or what I ought to be focused on.
The same goes with my relationship with God. As I strive to seek Him and grow in our relationship–be it through prayer, the Bible, church, and/or various theology texts, I have to deliberately turn off the music, leave my paintbrushes be, and quiet myself in His presence. The other day, as I cleaned, I quickly finished up in silence in order to continue my prayer in silence and without the distractions of a mop and broom. Today, as well as when I am in New Zealand in a few days, I will deliberately and intentionally take time away, in silence, and without any physical distractions–to quiet myself and seek Him.
