WHAT WAS I DOING? LIVING
Have you ever had one of those "what was I doing?" moments? If you have children, or are over 40, or close to 40 and named Grant, I bet you have! And, if you're over 40 with children still at home, look out, you have a "what was I doing?" life!
What is a "what was I doing?" moment? Well, let's say that you're in the middle of doing something important. You're determined and focused, and pumped, and nothing else is going to happen until you get this job, this goal, this important matter accomplished. Then, in an instant, your train of thought is derailed and left for dead. What happened? Could be almost anything, a child asking for a drink, an interesting statement on the radio, or TV, a knock at the door, the phone rings, a kiddy brawl, or perhaps even another more pressing matter that has to be attended to. Actually, it doesn't matter what stops the train. What matters is that when you return to the task at hand, you realize that you've completely forgotten what you were doing — that's a "now, what was I doing?" moment. Ever had one of those?
It's not too bad if you've only been distracted once or twice. The old noggin usually kicks back in after a minute or two, but what happens if you have a particularly distracting day, full of interruptions? You could quite conceivably end up with a long chain of "what was I doing?" moments that leave a trail of unproductive, half-started, disconnected projects and intentions strewn throughout your day. I call this "business as usual"! How about you? I guess the real question is what do you do with these interruptions?
Well, I've tried several things. I've tied my horse to the miff tree. I've hidden. I've refused to be interrupted. Thing is, what happens when the interruption is of the utmost importance? And, what happens when the interruption is really a God-ordained appointment? An interruption could very well be the best ministry opportunity I have that day! 'Look at Jesus' ministry for example. Much of the ministry that Jesus did was the direct result of making himself available for interruption, right? People were pushing and pulling and requesting and pleading with Him all the time to stop what He was doing and help. What would have happened if He had said, "Sorry, my day is full. Have your secretary call my secretary and lets do lunch sometime real soon?" Jesus never said, "Not now. I'm busy." Or, "I have a deadline." Or, "I promise we'll talk later." Jesus' three years of ministry was basically ministry in response to interruption. Even His teaching was often shaped and initiated by the interruption of the moment. Yes, Jesus had a long-term plan. He remained focused on His task of going to the cross throughout His ministry. But, He never let His plans get in the way of reaching out in love. He was willing to be interrupted, and made Himself available to interruption even when the disciples tried to prevent it. Why?
He loved people and had compassion on them. He felt their pain. He saw their need. He knew they were like "sheep without a shepherd".
He was humble and never thought Himself too important to be unavailable to anyone who had real need.
He realized that life and ministry happen all the time, not just when we schedule time for it.
Ok, so what do we learn
from Jesus' example?
Never put schedules, timetables, or plans ahead of people. Things will get done, but a missed opportunity to reach out and share the love of God, is a missed opportunity, plain and simple
While it's true that we need to set goals and make plans, we also have to be flexible enough to allow life to happen. In other words, life is more than reaching the goal; it's also seizing the moment. It's enjoying each step along the way.
Never think that you or your work is too important to be interrupted. Such an attitude is nothing short of arrogant. We have to be careful though. Not every interruption is necessary. Not every interruption is an opportunity for ministry. Sometimes we have to say "no", not "yes" so that we CAN minister. Jesus often refused the wishes of those who were insincere.
Don't forget that even Jesus took time away from everyone to pray, to gain perspective, to be refreshed. Plain fact is, you can't put the needs of others above your own if you are burnt out and emotionally empty. Everyone needs time for themselves away from the crowds, even if that crowd is your children!
Prayer
Lord God. Help us to be sensitive to Your leading. Help us to expect You to bring opportunities and people into our days so that we can share Your love with them. Help us to always be looking for Your hand at work. Lord, forgive us for those times when we missed opportunities to serve because we were too busy, or too tired, or too distracted. Help us live and serve as Jesus did! Amen!
