Dealing With Interruptions

Super Bowl Sunday has already been a busy day. We went to church, grocery store after that, a quick lunch, and home to clean before the family comes over. Whew! As I sat down to write this post, I gathered all the necessities: cold drink, laptop charger, headphones. I turned on the computer and fired up the music. I stilled my brain for a moment to concentrate on today's subject. Then the phone rang. 

It happens all the time. Just when I really get in the groove, someone stops in or calls. A sweet lady at church observed that my work as a church secretary is nothing but interruptions. Now, I tend to be a Martha in the Mary vs. Martha story of the Bible (Luke 10:38-42). I just want to get things done. 

Jesus was coming to visit two sisters named Mary and Martha. Wow. If you're not going to spiff up your house any other day, you certainly would make an exception for Jesus. So Martha scurried around cleaning and cooking and making sure all the guests were comfortable. Even after Jesus arrived she stayed in the kitchen, probably straightening up and filling the salt shakers. But Mary left the chores and sat at Jesus' feet to hear Him teach. After Martha had had enough, she stormed out to Jesus and demanded He make her sister return to the kitchen and help. But Jesus said He wouldn't do that because Mary had chosen the better activity. Jesus told Martha she was consumed with many burdens, but it was better to rest with Him. 

So what does this have to do with interruptions? Notice how Martha interrupted Jesus while He was teaching and talking with the other guests. She was kind of rude, actually. But Jesus took the opportunity this interruption afforded to explain how Mary had chosen the better activity-- she had placed a priority on learning from Him. 

Interruptions as Opportunities

So what about when we're interrupted? We can be like Martha and become upset that we can't seem to get anything accomplished, or we can do as Jesus did and look at the interruption as an opportunity to help someone. He stopped what He was doing to guide Martha into a better way of living. And we are most like Him when we put others' needs before our own. Aren't we as Christians called upon to be salt and light to others? (Matthew 5:13-16) 

I'm still learning this, but I believe God places interruptions in our lives to help us be salt and light to others. I have my agenda, but when God sees fit to place other people in my path I should try to put aside the to-do list and focus on someone else's needs. Many times, the result of such interruptions can be more rewarding than anything I had planned. 

It's something to think about as we prepare to begin another work week. When have you had an interruption turn into an opportunity to serve others? How can we be more open to seeing interruptions as opportunities? I'm looking forward to your comments. 

What's Holding You Back?

Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  (Isaiah 43:18-19)

New year, new beginnings. Perhaps you have resolutions for 2017. The desire to start over, to be better than we are, seems universal. Some would say it's our reason for being. 

Christians understand we exist not just to be better than we were the day before. We try to give glory to our God by declaring His love and promises to all. In our quest to achieve this, we try to conduct ourselves as God would have us do. 

I took the month of December and most of January off from this blog. It was a very busy time for me as a church secretary and also at home while preparing for Christmas. And January? Well, it seems I was recovering from December. But, really, I had allowed myself to become discouraged. Thoughts of "no one will read this anyway" and "this is going nowhere" filled my mind. 

But I'm beginning again because God has shown me it's the right thing to do. And He has helped me discover other things that have helped me move on. These things are of a personal nature, so I won't go into detail. But suffice it to say that worry, fear, and pride played big parts. 

So, what's holding you back? Are you worried people might mock you for your efforts or the goal itself? Are you afraid if you take that step you might fail? 

The Secret to Starting Over

When we dare to change our lives, we need to step out in faith and ask God to help us. It's inevitable we will stumble and fall, but we can't stay down there on the ground, defeated. Look to God; ask for His help. He'll pick you up and help you start over. 

So, here I go. I'm moving on in faith that this blog will mean something to someone other than myself. I'm starting some new writing projects and trying to change some unlovely things about myself along the way. I hope you'll remember to look to Jesus as you step out on your own new paths. Just don't walk them alone. 

What are your new things for this year? How has the process been so far? Share your comments below.