I am surrounded by people all day, every day — at work in stores and at home with my family. I know one of my main purposes in life is to care for my family the best way I know how. But being around people constantly can be overwhelming.
Even Christ stepped away to be alone with God. If He needed that time, who am I to think I don’t?
The truth is, people often get on my nerves. At work, customers can be rude and demanding. Sometimes the way people speak to those of us working in the store is unbelievable. I may not say what I’m thinking, but there are moments I choose to walk away rather than engage.
I don’t give customers attitude, but management can be another story. I won’t allow anyone to treat me poorly. No title makes someone more valuable than another person. At the end of the day, it’s just a grocery store.
If I’m being honest, I’ve never felt naturally good with people — and I haven’t always had the desire to improve in that area. Yet I feel a pull from the Lord calling me toward a softer heart. And I’ll admit, that’s hard for me. People frustrate me. But I know I’m being asked to grow.
I need to become kinder and more understanding. I know this. I just haven’t always known how to make it real in my daily life.
Creating Space to Withdraw and Be Still
Because of how overwhelming constant interaction can be, I make intentional time to step away from people.
One of my quiet places is my car. I drive a lot for work, and while driving itself doesn’t feel like solitude, I often stay in my car for a few extra minutes when I arrive somewhere. That time becomes prayer time or devotion time using my phone.
It requires balance. Sometimes I get so absorbed in prayer that time slips away, so I set a timer to stay responsible with my work schedule.
Some people call this a “car sanctuary.” I didn’t invent it. Parents, workers, and busy people everywhere have discovered the same thing: sometimes the only quiet place available is inside a parked car. And if that’s what it takes to spend time with God, then that’s what matters.
At home, there is always noise — the TV, activity, movement. With ADHD, outside noise makes focus extremely difficult. The car becomes my refuge.
Another place of solitude is a hot bath. It’s one of the few places I know I won’t be interrupted. I lock the door, soak, and pray. It’s simple, but it creates space to breathe and reconnect.
Staying Focused in a Distracting World
Maintaining focus in my daily walk with God is not easy. Life pulls us in every direction. Work demands attention. Chronic pain, illness, fatigue, and brain fog make concentration difficult. Add neurodivergence to the mix, and simply getting through the day can feel like an accomplishment.
This is exactly why quiet time matters so much.
The difficulty of finding time… the struggle to focus… the exhaustion we carry… none of these are reasons to give up. They are reasons to protect that time even more fiercely.
God knows us. He sees every struggle. He understands our limitations, our distractions, our exhaustion. There is never a moment where He is frustrated by our effort to come to Him.
When we feel misunderstood by the world, we can hold tightly to this truth: God understands completely. He knows every burden, every thought, every weakness — and loves us through it all.
Being with Him does not require anything elaborate. It doesn’t require perfect focus or long hours of devotion. Sometimes it is as simple as saying:
“God, I am here, and I love You.”
And sometimes, that is enough.
Chronically Adultish 
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