The challenges I’ve been facing in my life lately have been anything but subtle. With both of my sons going through hell, it has been difficult to focus on anything else. If a crazed murderer is using an ax to break through your front door, you don’t really worry about whether or not there are roaches in the kitchen. Or bats in your chimney. Or even an entire family of mice setting up residence among your favorite woolens (this happened).

With my younger son in the hospital, though, I’ve had plenty of time to think. And from time to time, my thoughts have turned to my career.

Fur Elise is prospering despite her laziness.

I’m realizing — as are most people around me — that I have a ridiculously difficult time focusing on one project for any length of time. I also am struggling with organization. I know that if I could simply focus and get myself organized, I’d likely triple my income. Lack of focus and organization are the “little foxes” that are wreaking havoc in more subtle ways, just like the mice who ate holes in my wool coat when it was packed away for the summer. You don’t have to have a disaster in your life for the devil to do his work.

I’ve been reading the Book of Proverbs lately, and some of them struck a bit close to home.

If your resolution is to get out of bed when the alarm clock goes off, consider this one. I love the imagery!

As the door turns on its hinges,
So does the sluggard on his bed. Proverbs 26:14

Here’s a good one if you’ve decided it’s time to stop overspending and pay down the credit cards:

He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense. Proverbs 12:11

To quit talking and start doing, tack this one on the refrigerator.

In all labor there is profit,
But mere talk leads only to poverty.Proverbs 14:23

This last one — ouch! I am an idea person who has the seeds for many crops but who dislikes putting her hand to the till. This year, that is going to change. I am blessed to have people in my life who recognize this destructive tendency of mine and who will hold me accountable.

And I’ll keep repeating 2 Timothy 1:7.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Important note for interested parties: My younger son gets out of the hospital tomorrow, praise the Lord! I have also heard from my older son!