The sky showed pink swooshes peeking over the eastern treetops. Wild birds chattered, and the chickens echoed with crows’ caws. Our two cats met me on the top step, ready for early morning scratches. And Amos, our small dog, raced around the yard trailing scents in every direction. It was a beautiful morning for a walk around the front field.

Even though the dewy grass quickly soaked through my shoes, making my socks squish when I stepped, I overlooked the small inconvenience, determined to enjoy my walk. The dog leaped through the tall grass and bounded through thickets on either side of the wooded path. He ran ahead and then returned to find me before streaking out in another direction. The movement was just enough to get my joints moving, and the weather was perfect.

Until those daggum yellow flies found me. They rushed me like hounds on a coon—circling and buzzing, trapping me in their orbit. I waved my hand frantically next to each ear, behind my head, and in front of my face. I lost sight of the enchanting horizon and went into full fight-the-bugs-mode. Instead of keeping a steady, straight gait, I weaved back and forth on the path, completely distracted.

The longer I flapped, the more I noticed the squishiness in my shoes. Then I noticed the tall grass touching my ankles. I couldn’t wait until the end of the trail.

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

~Proverbs 4:25-27 NIV

And just like those yellow flies swarmed me in my moment of calm, distractions swarm in and steal our peace. We make intentional steps toward healthy habits, and suddenly stress overwhelms us. Our schedule lightens, and we add rest and relaxing activities, but then everything goes awry, creating haphazard deadlines and unanticipated responsibilities. When we finally take time for a vacation or family time, a serious health scare or unplanned loss switches our direction in an instant. Those daggum yellow flies just won’t leave us alone.

The enemy of God loves yellow flies. He sends them swarming at just the right time. We lose sight of hope. We only see the problems. And we lose heart. If he can distract us, he can thwart our kingdom assignments. We will end up flapping and swatting rather than seeking and following.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

~Colossians 3:2 NIV

Are you distracted by those daggum yellow flies? Think of the things you’re missing as a result.

Dear Jesus, please keep my eyes focused on You so I will not be distracted by the yellow flies this world throws my way. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: Those Daggum Yellow Flies: Christy Bass Adams: All Rights Reserved.