Beautiful Interruption

Last night I was sitting on my couch after a long and difficult day, trying to get some peace of mind before going to bed. I usually shed the stress and weight of the day by planning my own comfort. I've been trying to trust God more in this area but to be honest, this has been a battle. I really love my planned quiet time, which is usually a movie and some dinner, all the lights off in my house, curled up on the couch and lost in someone else's story. Honestly, I like things my way. When I get things my way, life just seems better. So after a hard day, I was expecting to have things my way. After all I deserve it, right? Well, just as I was beginning to enjoy the meal and get lost in the story of Ophelia (don't judge me I like all kinds of movies okay?), I was interrupted. Apparently my son has mastered the art of making as much noise as possible, in any way possible, as often as possible. Also, one trip to the bathroom in one hour seems to be a laughable prospect in his eyes, he makes at least 6 to 10 trips in a 15 minute period, with an undying to commitment to make as much noise as possible, and leave things as messy as possible. I'm not even sure what he does in there but apparently people with hair on their head and a commitment to style have to do alot of work in the bathroom.

Now, since I am such a godly man you can imagine my reaction. Patience, kindness, gratitude and love…that’s me! WRONG. I proceed to curse him under my breath and lamenting the loss of the time I had the house all to myself. Then the Lord interrupts my thoughts. And He says the craziest thing. "You are going to miss this.” What?? What, Lord??

Dad is always good about interrupting my stupid thoughts and setting me straight.

Last night’s lesson was all about how good it is when our plans are interrupted. A trip down memory lane with the Holy Spirit as my guide showed me how all the greatest hits of my life’s playlist started as an interruption. Maybe that's because when my plans are interrupted, I have a chance to get my focus off myself and onto someone else. Or maybe its just because my own plans aren't so good.

"People do their best making plans for their lives,
but the Eternal guides each step" (Proverbs 16:9 The Voice)

Like back in 2000 when my son was being born and my selfish plans for life were ruined. I was so scared and broken and unprepared. I was already broken over a divorce and this child on the way seemed like too much. But because of that moment of terror and need, I gave my life to the Lord once again, and I never looked back. That interruption taught me that I can't, but He can. In that moment I was forced to look to another and not myself.

Or like when my parents need my help and I have to give up my own plans. Those times remind me that life isn't about me. That loving others is putting them first.

"…Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others…” (Philippians 2:4)

Could it be that interruptions in life are the greatest opportunities to display love or grow in faith?

"Make the most of every living and breathing moment because these are evil times." (Ephesians 5:16)

Abraham was interrupted from sacrificing his son Isaac and the result was a ram to take Isaac's place. Moses the shepherd was interrupted with a burning bush. The result was the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Jonah got a rather unique, fishy interruption and the result was the salvation of Ninevah. Saul was interrupted with a blinding light and the Presence of the risen Jesus, and the result was a murderer becoming an apostle of love and faith.

What about the greatest interruption in the history of the ages? A lost and dying world. The voices of the prophets silent for 400 years. People in need of salvation whether they knew it or not. A young girl’s life is interrupted by an unplanned and unexplained pregnancy. A great star shines brightly in the sky and wise men drop everything and follow the star with their best gifts. Some months later, shepherds are interrupted at night by a great throng of angels. And the very hopeless destiny of all people is interrupted with Hope.

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9)

The greatest thing about an interruption is the opportunity for love and faith to bloom. Because true love is focused on someone else's needs and not my own, and true faith relies not on my own plans but His Plan.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11)

So my hope for all of us in this holiday season is that we recognize the beauty and glory of each interruption. Divine moments that can be acts of love and faith if we just let go of our plans and control and concern for self. The crying kid who needs comfort, the plumbing issue that requires help and trust in another, the sick relative, the friend who needs prayer, even the traffic jam. All moments where you and I can remember "its not about me, and He has got this!".

It’s even possible that when I look back at my life, it will be all the interruptions that I rejoice over most, and all my own selfish plans will be forgotten.

- David Esgro