PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

February 2/16/22

INTERRUPTIONS

When our cat Miles awoke from his afternoon nap Saturday afternoon he was full energy, enthusiasm and ready to play.  Unfortunately, I rebuffed his overtures because I was engrossed in a tough Sudoku puzzle.  My problem solving was interrupted by a black flash that pounced on an object on the floor.  Later I discovered the object was a short piece of thin wire.  I wonder what Miles imagined the wire to be.

Miles continued his assault on the defenseless wire for another five minutes.  He would leave the room and then come bounding back in to attach.  He would hide under a piece of furniture and then pounce.  Finally, when he was satisfied with his conquest he was on to something else.

With Miles in the household interruptions take place on a daily basis.  He will break into our routine looking for attention, wanting to play, or encouraging a treat.  These interruptions add spice to our lives and bring joy and delight.

The late C. S. Lewis said about interruptions: “The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own,’ or ‘real’ life.  The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life — the life God is sending one day by day.”  Another person observed that the place that ministry often takes place is in the interruptions.

Perhaps the greatest interruption in the scriptures is to be found in the third chapter of Exodus.  Moses is out in the fields taking care of his father-in-law’s flock when he notices a burning bush.  When he turns aside to see what is happening the Lord engages him in conversation.  The Lord calls Moses to go to Egypt and set the Hebrew people free.

Interruptions are a common feature of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  On the way to heal a woman He is interrupted by a woman who touches the hem of His garment.  While He is eating with His disciples and friends He is interrupted by a woman who anoints His feet.  When traveling with His disciples He is interrupted by a blind man who wants to be healed.  Jesus Himself interrupts the last supper in the Upper Room by washing the feet of His disciples.

Interruptions are a part of life.  Sometimes they can have dire and tragic consequences which permanently change a person’s situation.  Death, illness, and accidents can bring upheaval and disruption. However, unexpected loss and disruption can have positive consequences in the long run.  They can be the source of a new direction in a person’s life that brings fulfillment and contentment.

There are times when interruptions can bring unexpected joy.  Miles’ interruptions tend to be of this kind.  Life is full of serendipities that are gifts from God and bless a person’s life.

Then there are times when interruptions are occasion for ministry and exercising one’s vocation.  This was the case with Jesus and Moses.  The Holy Spirit can work in our lives through interruptions to share with us God’s will for our lives.