Hello ,

 

Police academies are known to involve rigorous physical and mental tests in their curriculum to ensure that recruits are prepared for the harshness of life as an officer.

 

A video posted by one Indiana academy, however, shows a less intimidating (but no less difficult) exercise used to gauge recruits' discipline of focus. The challenge was for recruits to stand at attention and not break their intent focus in the midst of a particularly strong distraction—a rubber chicken.

The Youtube video shows a series of tough-faced young men and women who are one by one tested by the abrupt and awkward noise of a rubber chicken being squeezed next to their ear or in front of their face.

 

Some pass the test and are able to stare straight ahead without blinking, while a good number of others can't help themselves and crack a smile or even a laugh—earning them a round of pushups.

I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw this video. It would be difficult for me not to (at least) crack a smile if someone put a rubber chicken next to my face and made that distinctive noise. 

"Catch us the foxes,
The little foxes that spoil the vines,
For our vines have tender grapes."  Solomon 2:15

 

The "foxes" in this passage are rightly attributed to distractions that can harm a romantic relationship, but (like most of scripture), can give us pause to reflect on all the things that can distract us in our relationship with the Almighty.

Life is full of distractions that can keep us from focusing on our relationship with Jesus; when keeping that connection with Him should be the first and foremost thought on our journey through life. 

Pause and reflect. What are some "little foxes," or "rubber chickens" (as it were), that distract you from your spiritual relationship focus at times? These aren't easy to detect, and sometimes difficult to admit, but God's Holy Spirit can help us to seek out a deeper relationship with the One Who loves us most.

Have a great day and God bless!


Pastor Mike / The Open Word