Interrupted.... Viewing interruptions as invitations.

It’s after I tuck the last child into bed that I walk to my bedroom ready to crawl into my own bed with the book on my nightstand and exhale.  

This is my normal downtime at the end of the day.  I don’t know how long it is before I hear little feet walking towards my room…but I do know I haven’t even warmed my spot.

Another…goodnight and back to my book.  This will continue at least 3 more times…this getting interrupted.  I’m prepared for this because it happens every single night and I know that it will not happen forever but at the time…I think it will be forever.   I get annoyed.  I’m not perfect.  I’m all happy and sweet when we go to bed the first time but the over and over again - gets annoying and I become angry.

 

Jesus was interrupted a lot. My reactions are nowhere near how He reacted.  I get annoyed, angry, and say, “Just go to bed!”  I’m betting He would respond with love in His eyes, expressions and words.  In fact…He saw interruptions as invitations.  

I’m learning that to be more like Jesus…I need to be interrupted.  I need to pause before I leap.  I need to breathe before I speak.  I need to thank Him for the interruption…because my selfishness is beyond explanation.  

Today…my friend’s sister - she released her first book.  It’s about the loss of her son.  And I get upset at the interruption at bedtime? 

Instead of reacting in anger…I need to first thank Him.  

Romans 1:8 says, “First, I thank my God…”

 

 

First…I thank my God.  Second…I view it as an invitation to speak love and truth to my child.  Third...I make sure that I hear my child.  Because maybe what I see as an interruption may just be a little heart that needs for me to really hear what is going on.  Maybe I just need to SEE what it is that my child wants me to notice.  

The way I respond now will show my kids how to respond to their own interruptions.  What they see ME do…ultimately will be the way the react to their own lives.  I’ve seen it…I’ve seen their reactions to some things and really it is the mirror image of how I would respond.  

Like I said earlier…I’m learning.  I’m asking for grace on a daily basis.  I need to be giving grace to those around me.  God freely gives it to me…and this parent doesn’t always freely give it to her kids.

… He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

(Philippians 1:6)

 

So I pause…give thanks for the interruptions.  Give thanks for the little feet walking – healthy little bodies – walking to their Mommy for comfort…for warmth…for the safety feeling…for one last kiss…for one last hug…for a kiss in the hand.  That security blanket for them is a divine invitation for me to give grace.  

Exhale and smile.

It’s all good…it’s all grace.