interrupted

Consumed.  Bogged down.  Weighted. 

We find ourselves stuck in these situations more often than not.  With our jobs, our neighbors (a.k.a. Facebook), the current and future state of our nation, with life in general.

And then we find ourselves neglecting what’s most important.  Our relationships, our homes, our children, our spiritual commitment.

I started a new devotional book this week called “Real Mom… Real Jesus.”  Reading the very first chapter, I was gut punched.  I urge you to read it, even if it’s just that first chapter.  I can’t speak for the other chapters because I haven’t read them yet, but I can already tell it’s going to be just what I need.

One of my biggest frustrations (and worst character traits) comes from interruptions.  Interruptions in my plans, my schedule, my “that wasn’t supposed to happen that way” life.  The frustration… I bring it upon myself.  I don’t pray enough.  I don’t spend enough time in His word.  I don’t ask for help when I need it.  I try to fix everything.  And I take my frustrations out on my kids.  I find myself crying over spilled milk (literally and metaphorically).  When my kids act like, well, KIDS, I find myself focusing on their dirty handprints on the windows instead of helping them make memories of a carefree childhood.  I want them to remember me as an encourager… not a complainer.

Bitterness has a way of robbing you, and those around you, of His joy.  And don’t think it goes unnoticed by your kids.  They see your heart.  I think God made them that way to keep us on our toes.

With my tasks as a mom, I focus too much on the interruptions.  But in her book, Savage has some great advice.  Instead of focusing on the interruption, focus on the ministry of availability.  Jesus, like us moms, was in high demand.  When He walked the earth, just like us, he felt stretched thin. 

He was interrupted dozens of times a day.  SO AM I!  (Hey, Mommy.... Mommy..... MOMMY!!!)

He was asked a million questions.  YEAH, ME TOO!  (Have you met my oldest child??)

He understands our struggles as a mom.  But he never let a ministry opportunity slip beyond his grasp.  He used life’s interruptions to touch lives.  To uplift spirits.  To heal the broken.  To bring peace to the suffering.

Savage’s prayer, which has now become mine, is as follows:

"Help me, Lord, to see the ministry of availability, what’s right in front of me.  Help me be a blessing to my family, even when it feels like an interruption.  

Help me to reframe what I do every day as a mom – seeing the interruptions as opportunities rather than frustrations.  Grow in me a servant’s heart that ministers to whoever is standing in front of me."

Sometimes we NEED an interruption to keep us on our knees and our eyes on Him.