Dandelion Wishes
Learning to Stay Focused When Your Mind Wants to Wander
Do you remember being a kid, making a wish and blowing on a dandelion?
Watching the seeds scatter in the breeze—measuring how many breaths it took to send them all flying?
Some days, my thoughts feel just like that dandelion puff. A thousand little ideas, to-dos, dreams, prayers, and distractions swirling around while I’m trying to focus on what matters—whether that’s quiet time with God or a work project that needs my full attention.
Distraction Is Normal—But It Doesn’t Have to Win
Maybe you’ve experienced this too.
You sit down to read your Bible, and suddenly the hum of the ceiling fan becomes the loudest thing in the room.
Then your thoughts jump to the calendar, then to what’s in the fridge, then to the groceries you forgot to buy.
You pull yourself back. Then drift again. Repeat.
Later in the day, the same scattered thinking can show up at your desk. One minute you’re outlining a proposal or writing a blog post… the next, you’re wondering if you paid the water bill or debating whether to rearrange your office.
For me, the reasons behind the distraction often fall into one of two categories—and Scripture gives me an anchor for each.
When It’s Worry: Cast It
1 Peter 5:7 reminds us:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Sometimes my mental drift is rooted in anxiety. I’m worried about missing something important. I’m second-guessing my priorities. Or I’m anxious about putting myself out there and being misunderstood or judged.
When that’s the case, I’ve learned to pause, name the worry, and hand it over.
Recognizing that anxiety is at the root of my scattered thinking helps me stop the cycle—and pray my way back to clarity.
When It’s Habit: Redirect It
Other times, I’m simply out of practice.
I’ve gotten used to multitasking or bouncing between tabs and tasks. And when something feels hard or unclear, my brain instinctively looks for the next shiny object.
In those moments, I come back to Colossians 3:17:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
That verse helps me reframe my day. My work—yes, even my inbox or client draft—is part of how I honor God. When I remember that, I’m more willing to stay with the task in front of me instead of jumping to something easier.
Building Focus Into My Day—With Grace
Focus doesn’t come naturally. It’s a discipline. But small, practical shifts have helped me retrain my attention:
- During quiet time, I keep a blank piece of paper nearby. If a stray idea or task pops up, I jot it down—then get right back to prayer, reading, or journaling. (No phone, no calendar. Just the paper.)
- Before bed, I set out my Bible, journal, pen, and that blank page so everything is ready in the morning. That small prep makes it easier to start without resistance.
- During the workday, I use a timer and break projects into steps. I give myself permission to pause between steps for a stretch or a glass of water. Then I dive into the next piece.
These practices help me stay present—with God and with my work.
They remind me that focused work is part of my calling. Whether I’m writing copy, coaching a client, or praying over the day ahead—it all matters.
A Moment of Stillness
Sometimes, during one of those backyard walks between projects, I’ll spot a dandelion.
And yes, I might pick it up and give it a blow—watching the seeds dance away in the breeze.
But this time, instead of making a wish, I’ll say a quiet thank-you.
For the reminder to be still.
To stay present.
To focus on what matters most.
