Interruptions

Have you ever had one of those days where you can't seem to finish anything, even a thought or sentence without being interrupted?  Maybe the doorbell or timer goes off.  Maybe the phone is ringing, or someone keeps texting you or maybe a child needs your help or needs to "just to tell you something."  Sometimes interruptions happen.  It can become frustrating when all you need to do or finish is this one thing.  Right now my life feels like this more than I would like to admit. In the constant doing for someone or chores that need to be done, I feel like I am on this hamster wheel, but I am not going very fast I am just spinning in circles.  The interruptions are like a reset button and I have to climb back on the wheel to get it spinning again and start all over.  

As Pentecost is coming I wonder what the apostles thought when the violent wind came in and what appeared to be tongues of fire where suddenly over their heads.  I can picture Peter looking at John and James about to say,"Who forgot to close the window?" as the fire appeared. And then what an amazing thing happened they were able to speak so that all gathered in Jerusalem could understand. "But wait, Lord!  This language thing is great but we had things to do, to discuss, to plan." I wonder if this thought crossed any of the apostles' minds. I wonder how many time I have said "But wait, Lord!" myself.

Sometimes I welcome those interruptions.  That smiling face so sweet and excited about the tower that he just built all by himself or that phone call from a friend I haven't spoken to in too long.  I am trying to fully enjoy the blessings and gifts God has given me.  But sometimes I fill my schedule with so many things that I think God interrupts my plans to remind me that I need to be present in the now.  I believe this is God's way of telling me to scale back a bit. So this summer that is my goal.  I am going to try to step off the hamster wheel, quiet that constant whirring that has been in my head and be fully present not only in my life but with him.  I am sure I will still be interrupted, but I am going to try to see the daily constant interruptions as opportunities that God has given to me.  
How about you?  What is God trying to tell you in the daily interruptions? 


Prayer
Lord, please help me to turn every interruption into an opportunity to show and share your love.  Forgive me for putting my wants first.  Help me to fully enjoy every day as a gift from you and to be patient, while I listen and wait for you to lead me.

Written by Jodie Wilson

Acts 2 - When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[g] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[h] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

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Preparing...

Many of you know that I am expecting a baby in just a few weeks.  As the due date becomes closer and closer am preparing for the upcoming somewhat upheaval of our household and daily lives.  While some preparing or "nesting," as it is referred to in the 'pregnancy guidebooks,' has been fun and exciting, at times I start to let it become overbearing and overwhelming.  I feel like this is a common feeling when we prepare.  Almost any event, be it a holiday, a marriage, pregnancy, a new job or a big move can start off with excitement and anticipation, but often times that can turn into this feeling of "There are SO MANY preparations (things) to do!!!"  Personally this happens to me and I often realize it is because I have forgotten to ask for help.  I have forgotten to ask for His help.  When I begin to feel that overwhelming weight and pressure of "I can't do it all!" I have come to realize that I have not asked my Heavenly Father for help.  I cannot do 'it all,' but I especially cannot without his help and guidance.  There is an amazing relief that I feel after I ask for help from the Lord. I still may not accomplish my entire "to do" list, but what I do accomplish is with his help and I find that I am not nearly as concerned at what may not have gotten done.  

One of my favorite hymns is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."*  This song truly speaks to me.  Why must I continue to think I can do this on my own.  God does not expect or even want me to try to go it alone.  The opposite actually.  God still wants us to prepare.  And there are many things that we should prepare for, but I would challenge you approach preparing for whatever may be next in your life, with Hebrews 12:1-3 in mind.  When I read Hebrews 12:1-3; I picture throwing off these chains that have been weighing me down and holding me back and running full force, feeling so light, the wind in my hair, with my eyes fixed on Jesus as he is standing arms outstretched waiting for me.    I pray that you will run as well, light and free and fast straight into the arms of our Savior.

- written by Jodie Wilson

*reimagined and arranged by Jamin Bradley

Hebrews 12 (NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

1 Peter 5:7 (NET) "...by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you."

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