Life-Changing Interruptions

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. -Luke 1:38

Most of us feel comfortable when we know what our day... And the next several days... are going to hold for us. I like surprises occasionally, but generally, I like to have my short term plans in place... What things I will work on in the office today, what I will be doing after work, etc. When I go on vacation, I like to have any reservations I need in place.

Over the years, I've learned to be a little more flexible. Having kids will sure make one more flexible! Parenting holds surprises around every corner... Do I hear an "amen?". And then I have learned that no matter how tightly I have scheduled myself at work, if a parishioner dies, everything else gets put on hold. Funerals are never convenient!

Basically our lives hum along pretty much as we planned with only the expected interruptions with a few mild surprises. But occasionally God throws in that totally unexpected and completely life-changing interruption. It might be something exciting like meeting your future spouse or a door to the job of your dreams opening or winning the lottery. It could be something painful like the death of a child or spouse, a debilitating accident or illness. Or it could just be something you never planned to do, like raising a grandchild or moving across the country.

How do you handle this kind of change? I think we can all take a lesson from Mary. In the face of the most unexpected, frightening and challenging surprise imaginable she said, "I am the Lord's servant, May your word to me be fulfilled."

When those life-changing interruptions come, it may be God asking us to change the course of our lives for the good of the Kingdom. Perhaps the interruption is part of a bigger plan. Even if it is not, if we treat it as such, it can only have good repercussions.

Father, help us to work for the fulfillment of your wor in every aspect of our lives, but especially as we take on those life-changing interruptions that come our way. Amen.

Joys: All Christmas services ready; anticipation; Richard coming home tomorrow!