Don’t miss the blessing of life’s “interruptions.” I don’t know about you, but at this time of the year, especially, I have a packed “planned” schedule – my workday, my family commitments, my Christmas to-do-list, preparing meals, housework, and so much more. Unless I am intentional in my quiet time and intentional in seeing life through “the Master’s eyes,” I can view life’s interruptions with impatience and a hint of irritation for it messing up my “perfectly planned” schedule for the day.
Recently, I had a day where I almost missed “the blessing.” It was one of those packed days where I was hurrying to get out the door for the day’s schedule when I got a phone call. I didn’t have time to talk, but I answered the phone anyway. With an eye on the clock, I began the conversation in a hurry with what I perceived to be an interruption to my schedule. However, by the time I ended the conversation with this sweet friend, I realized that this “interruption” had turned into a “blessing.” . . . And I almost missed it.
Can you imagine the shepherds that night long ago out in the fields? It was a normal night at work – out in the fields. They were doing their job – when their night was “interrupted.”
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:8-16
Through this “interruption,” in the midst of their night at work, they received an incredible invitation to see the Savior and they hurried (yes- they left work early) to see the baby in the manger.
Lord, This Christmas, may I not be so busy with work, everyday life, the busyness of the season that I miss the blessing of interruptions and the joy of celebrating your birth.
Maria Brannen 