The temptation

The temptation of James McDermott

10-22-08

It never ceases to amaze me how things work. As previously posted about my calling, which was very recently written for an interview, I have vowed to not date or get romantically involved at this point in my life. Not that I don't want a girl friend mind you, it's just important to me that my focus is clear and my priorities straight. My focus and priority right now has to be God. There is no other focus at this point in my life.

I enjoy, want, and feel the need to be involved in a relationship, but am going to deny myself, only out of dedication to God and His purpose in my life. A fasting if you will.

Knowing this, feeling this, wouldn't you know that the opportunity to go out on a date presents itself. Not from my own doing, but presented in a round about way through mutual co-workers. No more than a few days after writing about my calling and submitting it to the interview board, as well as sharing it with my pastor, the opportunity/temptation presents itself. I am grateful to God for giving me the insight and wisdom to see this situation for what it really is, a distraction from His purpose in my life. Not that this woman isn't nice, it has been told to me that she is very nice. We had a great conversation on the telephone. She is very attractive in her pictures. She was even understanding of my circumstances when I shared them with her. All very nice, wonderful and enticing.

But the answer needs to be not now. Maybe later, as there needs to be no other person in my life other than God. I need to find my comfort, my support, my love, in and through Him and no others.

Anyone else would be a distraction away from His purpose in my life.

This helps me to define the meaning of the phrase, "Eyes wide shut."