I managed to distract myself for an entire day before I buckled down to write this email.

I checked my texts, researched for a book chapter, drafted an article, and peeked at Slack. Then I took my kids to the swimming pool and did some laundry. Now it’s tomorrow, and I’ve had my coffee, made a phone call, and eaten a snack. I’ve checked my email four times. I can’t think of anything else to do, so I’m finally doing what I was supposed to do yesterday.

That’s how I know that when Elliot Clark wrote “The Gift of a Distracted Dad,” he also meant “a distracted mom,” “a distracted friend,” or “a distracted leader.” We’ve been unfocused for so long that, at this point, we’re seeking distraction. (Are you skimming at this point? Starting to think about something else? I just stopped writing to check who won the Cubs game last night.)

If you can keep your mind focused long enough, I encourage you to read Clark’s piece. He explains how Jesus could appear focused and distracted—both in holy ways. And Clark explains how his dad, a small-town pastor distracted even before smartphones, exemplified how we can do both like our Lord.