Before Christmas, we received a note from Jadon’s teacher regarding his “lack of focus” in the classroom. The teacher is well-informed regarding Jadon’s ADHD diagnosis (attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder) and his trend toward straying thoughts, but she felt that, perhaps, something extra was being added to the mix of his confusion.
Accordingly, she pulled Jadon aside and inquired of him as to the reason behind his straying during her lecture time. He assured her that nothing was wrong… that he simply had lost focus. Not quite satisfied with his answer, she wrote me a kind note, letting me know of the situation, and asking me if their might be something further “going on at home” that might be contributing to my son’s distraction.
Immediately my thoughts turned toward my cancer, quickly followed by thoughts of the upcoming Christmas celebration. Rather than linger in my suspicions, I talked with Jadon regarding his straying in the classroom. In serious tone and with little hesitation came his reply:
“Mom, it’s like this. When I’m listening to the teacher at school, it’s like I’m on my horse, traveling on a path through the woods when all of the sudden I see a fire off in the distance. I turn my horse in that direction, and I begin to chase after that fire. Before long, I don’t see the teacher anymore. Only the fire in front of me.”
My concerns abated, I smiled. I looked at my son and simply said:
“Tomorrow, son, no chasing fires. Stay on the path with your teacher, and all will be well. If a fire happens while on the path, you’ll just have to step around it, hop over it, or walk right through it. But son, stay on the path with your teacher.”
He chuckled; we hugged, and he left the house for the great outdoors… I suppose for an afternoon filled with chasing fires of all manners. And I couldn’t help but wonder about Jadon’s diagnosis and if ever there has ever been a more apt description for the problem of ADHD, the problem of straying thoughts. I bet the experts would like to get a hold of this one, maybe even use it as a way of describing to the world what it is like to live inside the skin of a person who struggles with this label. A person who is easily distracted and would rather chase fires through the tangled forest than to stay on the path already blazed within.
Chasing fires. When was the last time you stepped off the marked path with the Teacher in order to entertain the flames of a fire not meant for your daily deliberations? I imagine we all could recall occasions when we’ve been guilty of foraging for foreign flames rather than sticking to the sacred steps already blazed on our behalf. Times when the warmth and burnt orange of a distant flickering rerouted our thoughts and redirected our horses into dangerous territory—territory meant only for distraction and destruction, not for personal discovery.
Like my son, I’ve chased a few foreign fires over the course of my earthly tenure. It’s not served me very well. I’ve got a few burn scars to prove it. Even when the path before me has been an obvious leading from the Teacher, there have been those “out-of-the-corner-of-my-eye” occasions when the flames of another fire have captured my attention, and my learning disability kicks in. It’s called temptation. And whenever temptation is entertained, a straying is soon to follow. And whenever straying in the woods is chosen over staying on the path, the chasm between the two becomes a cluttered gap of trees and brambles and miscellaneous steps not easily retraced once the fire has diminished and lost its heat.
Fires like that… ones that burn to ashes… are never intended for our good. Instead, they temporarily flame for our distraction. For our straying. For our missing out on some steps with the Teacher—steps that can never be replaced, but steps that will have to be retraced in order for learning to occur. That being said, not all fire chasing is bad. Some fires are meant for our approach, our attention, and our purification. But those fires aren’t usually found off the beaten path. Instead, they usually present themselves along the way and as we go… in plain view and requiring our stepping around them, hopping over them, or walking right through them. On those occasions, we clearly see the Teacher through the flames, knowing that his holy veil has passed through them first, allowing us safe passage as well.
Oh for feet that are firmly entrenched upon the soil of our up head rather than our side to side. For eyes to clearly see the path, for wisdom to choose the path, and for a heart full of courage to stay on the path with the Teacher despite the fires burning all around us. It’s not easy to continue on course, friends. Not easy to stay fixed on our learning when multiple distractions line our daily lives with their interrupting flames. But stay we must if we want to pass the test and travel forward to the next assignment that our Teacher has for us—a task that will further our maturity and move us past our infancy.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to waste time in the woods with fires that are going to stunt my growth. Instead, I want to keep in step with my Teacher, believing that where he’s headed is where I need to be. He’s leading me on an odyssey of faith that will eventually land me safely home; I’d rather get there with fewer burns because of fewer fieldtrips to the forest. Thus, I say to myself this day the words I now speak to my son each morning before he leaves for school…
“Child, no chasing fires today. Stay on the path with your teacher, and all will be well. If a fire happens while on the path, you’ll just have to step around it, hop over it, or walk right through it. But child, stay on the path with your teacher.”
Perhaps, my friends, you need the reminder as well. Keep to the path of our Jesus; he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life… the only fire worthy of our chase this day. Keep your eyes fixed forward. As always…
Peace for the journey,
Elaine, this post was for me, right now. Thank You, Lord, for speaking to me through Elaine today. Love you, dear sister.
There are also other fires…like your cancer…and like my Mom's illness for over a month now. Fires that before we know it, have encircled around us, causing us to lose sight of the Teacher. I know I have been there since December 22. And I have seen a difference in my spiritual walk…even to the degree that I didn't even have words to pray. But about a week ago, I decided it was time to pick the reins up and get control of the horse again. I've become quieter, listening for the Teacher's voice and instruction to guide me through this.
This is a classic! Crystal clear illustration of how it is, not only for Jadon… for all of us.
Give him a special hug for me and tell him I'm pulling for him to keep his horse on the path! 🙂
Thank you, friend.
I so needed to read this, this week.
What a wonderful description your son gave for how he gets distracted Elaine! My wonderful wife suffers from this as well, so I'm sending her a link to this post.
Even without the additional tendency towards distraction that those with ADD and ADHD suffer, we are all subject to straying from the Path now and again. Thankfully, our Teacher is always there to lead us back to His Footsteps when we choose to listen.
Thank you for a wonderful post, and have a Blessed Day!
Yes, LORD. Thank YOU for the reminder not to stray and chase fires. I pray for focus, LORD… In Jesus' name, amen.
You are a good mother. And teacher. I'm jumping over some fires of my own today. Love to you, Faith Elaine.
There's one thing about it, Jadon may have ADHD but he is very smart to be able to so aptly describe what it's like living with it. I know you are immensely proud of him. I've chased a few fires in my lifetime also and they truly took me off the right path. Would that I could have read these words in my younger days but since you are much younger than me (grin), I will remind myself of them now. Love your writing, Elaine. You have a wonderful gift.
Elaine….I echo Sonja's comment….This is a classic crystal clear illustration for us all!
All eyes on the Teacher!!!
Continuing to pray for you!
HE IS FAITHFUL!
Love and Hugs!
Jackie
I think even in our churches we tend to chase fires…things that are secondary to the purpose for which the church exists. Just listened to David Platt's sermon "Unstoppable" where he reminds us that our sole purpose in this life is to advance the kingdom…the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We chase fires when we begin doing otherwise.
Leah
Oh…I can relate to this one.
Your son had such a good, clear understanding of what is happening…how wise he is!! And oh how I can relate. I have several small fires (in different locations) burning almost all the time. Some lure and distract me more than others, but they are there. Sometimes I think they are out only to realize the blaze is there again. My eyes firmly fixed on the teacher really is the only way through. This was such a wonderful description of it all…and the reminder much needed. Hope all is well! HUGS, Debbie
Elaine – this is so good! I love it when God uses our children to speak a Word – a good Word!
Praying for you daily and am expecting many more good things to manifest in your life!
Whenever I stray from the path I usually end up getting burned!
These are very wise words, and you are such a great mom. 🙂
Hugs for all…
Keeping them fixed forward with you, on the only giver of life, Jesus Christ. Right now, I'm not chasing fires, I'm standing in the midst, but know that I'm not standing alone…..God is there holding me, as He is you.
Much love sweet friend,
Stacy
So wise – you, your son, and your God. Love this reminder, and needed it.
Elaine, I came here so selfishly looking for a WORD from you…. and I am not dissappointed!! Lately I have found myself entertaining flames that are clearly not from the Father but I'm sure have the enemy warming his hands by that same fire. Thanks to you and Jadon! What a clever clever picture and like others have said, "so clear". I am so grateful for you, your pen, your heart. Praying for you!!
Debbie (in Arizona!)
Profound. And that is my favorite word. All I can say. (and what a smart boy you have!)
Elaine,
Pondering here on what you said…first of all, you have a very smart son. Like others have said, for him to be able to describe what's going on is awesome!
Then, chasing fires…I have done that many times….and I don't say that proudly either!! Lots of regrets!!
This post was much needed for me….thank you!
~Beth
Oh, Elaine! Words fail me to tell you how good this is!! It just packs up and fits right in the heart to carry around with me to help me stay on the path!
Thank you. Thank you.
Love and hugs!!
Kathie
Elaine has anyone ever told you how amazing you are?! I am sure they have!! You truly are a gift and have a gift!! This post is excelled and spoke to my soul!! Thank you for your words….They are truly something!!
Wow. Fabulous life-lesson!
Put another way, it makes me wonder how often I've run hard after something good, and relinquished by default God's best for me? I dare say: too often.
I long to train my feet to remain on that solid earth that He stretches out before me; before us.
Love,
Kathleen
I love when God teaches us lessons through our own children and also teaches it to them as well! How precious that you shared this with us!
I love you – miss you – and am always praying for you dear Sister!
Choosing JOY in this season,
Stephanie
Yes, Ma'am!
Your son is very perceptive to be able to explain what is going on inside. Most children with his condition would not really be able to put into words what they feel.
And you were quick to point him in the direction of a good solution, in a language he understands.
I appreciate this post, Elaine… for you have used your son's experience to connect to something that we all battle with, whether we admit it or not.
The temptation not so much in the seen physical world as it is in the unseen realm of our minds. Indeed, our mental sins are even more dangerous than the ones visible to our physical eyes.
Our deep-seated attitudes of arrogance, feelings of superiority, self-sufficiency, rebellion, intellectual and spiritual pride.
And what about the refusal to let go of a "victim" mindset… embracing our woundedness… a subtle way of selfcenteredness…
instead of letting go and moving on…
The list goes on.
I truly appreciate your thoughts dear friend.
Keeping you close…
Lidj
I've strayed off the path to chase a fire or two in my life…but I am so thankful that He has always lovingly led me back in the right direction. The path home has not always been easy, but so much less painful than standing in the distraction of fire.
Living for Him, Joan
Amazing Jaydon was able to describe his distraction so well!
I think we can all identify with "chasing fires".
Many times I have felt that very same way when I had so many things going on in my life that were vying for my attention.
I felt so divided, trying to put out too many problems and not putting out the main one.
Thanks as always for taking time to share and teach us Elaine.
Keeping on the path takes so much focus! May our Gracious Shepherd continue to bless us as we struggle to follow only HIM.
Sending my love,
Jess
wifeforthejourney:
I love both your re-telling of our son's vivid outlook on the world, and the spiritual connection you make for all your readers. How many days have started with Christ our goal, yet ended far from where He would lead us?
On a more gritty level, the Old Testament offers several accounts of "unacceptable offerings" made with fire by priests who had no respect for the holiness of God. The one that comes to my mind is found in Leviticus 10:1-3 where two of Aaron's sons arrogantly presumed to make offering before the Lord that He did NOT call for -they get waaay more than they barganed for!
May we all search our hearts and be sure that we are following the path where the Lord leads. Thanks be to God for His marvelous gifts of grace, and how He would use our fourth-grader to reach my heart this morning!
Love you,
Billy
What a thought provoking topic. So true to life. We are surrounded by so many different fires….gotta keep focused!!
Thinking of you and praying for you!!
Believing Him~Pamela
This didn't go anywhere near where I thought it would. My mother's defensiveness sprang up with the first words as our younger son had similar issues, and I frequently received similar sounding notes. After he graduated from HS I threw away every teacher's note and just about every evaluation he had received.
You have exposed an area of my mother's heart that still needs some healing…I am in awe at the way your son was able to describe his thoughts…and equally in awe at the way you handled this…to say nothing of the spiritual application. Both of you are so wise.
Thank you for this…we do have a Great Teacher who shows the way through the fires and has promised to walk through them with us.
Elaine, this was just so beautiful. It's amazing to me how often God uses our children to speak His truth to us.
"Stay on the path with your teacher, and all will be well."
This brought tears to my eyes, as I let the Holy Spirit whisper it to my soul…
GOD BLESS!
this is a good reminder!! I went to a Mercy Me concert a few years ago and the lead singer said he gets side tracked with "the shiny thing in the corner" all the time. I have since noticed how I often I do that too!! My hubs and i say it all the time about various things. It's like your son's fires…good or bad the distraction is just THERE and demands our attenion! But to the glory of God, He is bigger and can giv eus the strength to stay focused like a laser and make a difference for the kingdom!
I think that's why Jer. 6:16 "This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." is my favorite Scripture, as well as Ps. 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, LORD,teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
Your precious son…going off to fight the good fight of faith in gallantry!
Hugs ~ Merana
Elaine,
Even though I'm still trying to make my way and understand James' death, I am trying to listen for God's voice. He may have to talk a little louder, since I have so many channels on, at the same time, in my head, but I am fervently praying I hear His message.
Blessings,
Brenda
thank you for this tonight, elaine! i'm thinking of you and praying for you!
A few folks here in your comment box claim this post was for them. But I have to say: I think it was for me, too! I'm a fire-chaser.
Your advice to your son is so fitting, not only for him but for us.
Much love to you.
Hey Elaine, I've been catching up on your posts…the Lord has done great things for you. Praise Him:) Love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
Thanks for always blessing, love you.
Checking in on you….praying as I do! Haven't heard from you for awhile and wanted you to know I miss you.
Good words here. Thank you for tending this fire here. Needing to be reminded that I cannot put out all the fires I see… nor should I try. Love to you. And prayers. And prayers.
Today God has been pressing on my heart the magnitude of His healing power. I found this amazing song and posted it on my FB page. I even felt I could write a sentence on FB. This afternoon I come here and read of your wisdom. God is reminding all of what Healing looks like. Just a touch of His cloak.