Invitation to Interruption

I like to be in control of my schedule and have to work hard to not be resentful when something (or someone) invades that territory. I view interruptions as invasive intruders on my already involved activities.

So I was especially impressed by a friend who shared how she had handled a recent interruption disguised as a blessing.  Darlene explained how she discovered she was locked out of her house on a very busy day when she was preparing for family to come in for dinner.  There were so many things to do and now she had no idea how she was going to get it all done in time.  While I could totally sympathize with her frustration, her story continued with an unexpected twist.  Instead of stewing, she thought "OK, I wonder what God has to say to me in this. He knows I have a lot to do!"  So she sat down on her back steps and looked out over their farm.  She noticed a little rabbit scampering across the way and other beauties of nature.  She took a deep breath being thankful of her blessings when she realized she had her cell phone with her all this time.  Instead though of calling her husband Cecil or someone else for help, she felt impressed to call her brother with whom she had not visited in quite a while.  They had a wonderful visit.  Feeling especially light-hearted after the phone call, she decided to try the door again.  Amazingly the door opened and she was able to go in and ready the house for her company.  The extraordinary element in this story was Darlene's brother passed away the next week.  That annoying interruption led to a beautiful visit with her brother that would probably would have not happened if she had not been "locked"out of her house.

Her story brought me to tears mainly because I was so touched by her sensitivity to be led by the Spirit to stop and listen but also because my reactions to interruptions had been so the opposite.  I would have used my cell phone to call for help or to complain about "how would I ever get everything done now".  I probably would have even whined about the rabbit (well maybe not...I like rabbits but when I get in those moods even bunnies bail!)

Darlene accepted the invitation to relax and enjoy the Lord and He gave her a very unexpected and precious time with her brother.  I don't have to wonder if I have missed blessings because of my unwillingness to savor moments when things don't go my way.  I know I have but Darlene has helped me see the grace and beauty of accepting annoyances and interruptions with open eyes and an open heart.  Don't miss the moments!