Have you ever been to a national park with incredible scenery only to see people gazing at their cell phones? Many of us spend considerable time on our electronic devices responding to the urgent. Many of these pursuits are for good stuff, but it is all too easy to get distracted by the productive and lose sight of purpose.

There is a recent concept of being “indistractable.” Today our electronic devices keep us so distracted that we find it difficult to focus on what’s really important and meaningful in life. Recent studies show that phone video or game time produces hits of dopamine in the brain providing an addictive pleasure. Even checking our apps can become a distraction.

After a season of ministry, Jesus said to his disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest for a while.” (Mark 6:31) In other words, separate from the urgent and reflect on your motivation, direction, goals, plan, purpose and faith. Spend time on relationships with others and spend time with Me.

The question for the new year, or for any new season of life, is not, “Where am I in life?” but rather, “Where am I in Christ?” One way to center on Jesus is to be involved in ministry to others while maintaining eye-contact with God. See what that might look like for you. Login to MissionNext and set your criteria for service that will energize you. Then discover the organizations and assignments that will cause you to have the greatest pleasure serving the Master.

One couple retired early to serve in missions for a decade. They remarked in their last years, “Those were the best years of our lives!” Don’t miss out.