Spiritual ADD

Ever since I shared yesterday some of  issues related to ADD and it’s affects on our family, I have been thinking of the spiritual parallels in my own life. I am amazed at what God teaches me about Himself, and His plans for me, through my interaction with my children.

Often my relationship with God is marked by many of the same affects as ADD has on Marshall. I read God’s Word voraciously, and pursue Him with genuine passion. Then suddenly my focus is diverted by some lesser aspiration. I don’t even know how it happens, but instead of finding my joy in Christ, I am clamoring for satisfaction in other things. Rather than resting and listening, I am restless, and preoccupied. My anxious thoughts rattle around in my brain like so many pin balls, being shot at whim by outside forces. Just as I see Marshall waste time, because of his complete lack of any concept of time, I find myself wasting valuable opportunities, because of my complete lack of any concept of Christ’s value system.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. But not so busy that I felt frazzled. It was fruitful, and I actually felt rather accomplished, although I was running just five minutes behind as I ran out of the house around four to go pick up the kids from my sister’s house.  A flat tire quickly diverted my attention from God, and landed me in the wasteland of self-absorption. A phrase from an old hymn comes to mind, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.” That’s me! A flat tire was all it took! Or maybe the flat tire was just the physical factor, that opened my eyes to my wandering ways.  Perhaps, I had been pursuing lesser aspirations without even knowing it. Often Marshall thinks he is doing what he’s supposed to, when he’s not. Many times, his focus is elsewhere and he doesn’t even know it. Is that me? Is my focus on feeling accomplished, on not getting behind in my schedule, on staying organized and on time? Maybe the wandering happened hours before the flat tire. Maybe the flat tire was God’s “goodness like a fetter” binding my wondering heart to Himself-His kind, yet forceful way of waking me up from my own wasteland wandering.

“Come thou Fount of Every Blessing” offers a truly Biblical answer to my own Spiritual ADD: “Oh, to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be.” God’s grace is the only antidote for my wandering tendencies, His holistic participation in every area of my life,  my only cure.

A Holistic Approach to the Spiritual Life

I have been reading a very helpful book on ADD because my oldest son Marshall was diagnosed with it about 3 years ago. Finally, after trying many other avenues, I went ahead and put him on regular medication, but that barely takes off the edge. He is still slow, easily distracted, and often disconnected. This book was recommended by a friend who is also working at handling ADD.

What I love about the book is that the Dr. who wrote it offers a very holistic approach to treating ADD.  He discusses how every part of life is affected by the disorder, explaining the specific malfunctions in the brain that lead to ADD. He even has brain scans through out the book showing what the brain of an affected person looks like. He describes symptoms and explains the resulting behavior patterns with great detail and clarity. It has really helped me to understand how differently Marshall thinks, and how much of a challenge it is for him to function in the “real world”.

Then the book suggests a lifestyle treatment plan, that not only includes medication, but also a high protein diet, plenty of exercise, a regular routine, with sufficient sleep, and vitamin/mineral supplements. Further, the author offers suggestions for techniques in parenting an ADD child. He is very thorough in his approach. It has been encouraging to read his suggestions and varying testimonials of people he has helped, and see that many of the symptoms of ADD can be controlled, through healthful choices.

Our family has started to work very hard on our eating habits, implementing more high protein, high fiber foods, and eliminating junk food, especially processed sugars and wheat. We are also concentrating on better exercise habits, and a workable routine at home. This is a big adjustment for all of us, but we anticipate worthy results.

It is interesting to me the issues God places in our path to force us into Him. I would rather not have to bother so much with diet and an organized routine, and to be truthful those are areas where I haven’t been very faithful in in the past. But because of Marshall’s deficit, and wanting to help him, I have been forced to give more consideration to these area. The truth is, all the suggestions the Dr. makes in his book are helpful for anyone. They are wise, healthful, lifestyle choices. But they take time, and a willingness to learn new things. This is the part where I am forced back into God. Do I have time for this? No! Do I have the energy and mental fortitude to learn more new things? Not really.

That leaves me pretty needy. It leaves me begging Him for energy and wisdom to pursue a lifestyle that includes healthful choices in a way that honors him. Because the real crux of the matter is this: We must have a holistic approach to our spiritual life in order to grow and glorify Him.