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The small sticky hands wrapped around my bare legs as sobs escaped his pouting lips. Once again, a stern “no” was firmly voiced through my pressed lips. ‘Please child,” I begged in desperation, “Go play. I have had enough.” Watching the clock and needing to meet my deadline, I prayed my (then) toddler would become self-entertained. Placing objects in front of him, I turned my thoughts back to my unfinished project, hoping he would move on.
I hate to admit it, but my beautiful child was seen as an interruption on this long-ago afternoon. I would love to re-live that moment because now I know what I saw as an interruption was really God’s intervention. This worn-out momma needed a gentle lesson that people matter more than my projects. I needed to learn to slow down and enjoy the blessings around me.
So what is a gal to do when projects need finishing while people need attention? How can we live a productive life and stay true to what matters most?
Here is one principle I am learning.
Train your brain to view man’s interruptions as God’s interventions. If He is sovereign; then perhaps those who ‘mess up’ your plan for the day have been sent by God Himself for His bigger plan.
A lesson to learn is no matter how busy you feel you are, you must still pause for people. We must enter their space and listen with grace. Perhaps they need encouragement, healing, or a blessing only you can give. Or maybe His plan is a lesson for you in patience and how to love others well. Friends, don’t miss the God-moments because your project took precedence. See man’s interruptions as God’s interventions.
I have no idea what project consumed me that afternoon some twenty years ago. However, I can tell you those once tiny hands have become strong and confident. And on those sweet occasions when his hands reach for his old mom’s, my whole world stops. Why? Because we both know that people matter more than projects, and man’s interruptions are often God’s interventions.
Today, I invite you to view interruptions as God’s intervention. You just might have a personal invitation from your heavenly Father to learn a lesson that will develop your character. Or perhaps it is an invite to help someone else in their time of need. Whatever His plan is for you today, remember heavenly rewards and life giving joy is found when He uses you and me for something bigger than ourselves.
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)