A Time For Interruptions

A Time for Interruptions

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

I was mentally running through the lists of tasks I needed to accomplish that day when the doorbell rang. My slippered feet slid on the newly swept floor as I skidded over to the door to open it. Calling out a hello to my friend and her son, I swiveled to grab the item they had stopped to pick up.

But when I turned around, I saw them placing their shoes on the mat and laying aside their coats. Realizing that the brief hello I had anticipated was going to turn into a longer visit, I quickly adjusted my plans and invited them into my kitchen for a cup of coffee.

As the visit turned into one hour, then two, then three, I could feel my internal clock ticking. I had so much to do that day! I kept a smile firmly on my face, but I couldn’t help but think of the hours of productivity slipping from my grasp. Yet as the day wore on, I resolved to put aside my desire to check items off my list and simply focus on my sweet friend’s presence. By the time their hats and coats were collected and I closed the door behind them later that afternoon, my heart felt lighter. In seeking to make my friend feel comfortable and put her needs above my own that day, I was the one who ended up feeling refreshed.

As women juggling numerous tasks and roles, it can be hard to allow ourselves to be interruptible. Our to-do list is often so full that the thought of adding in coffee with a friend or a long phone call to catch up feels impractical at best and irresponsible at worst. Yet when we feel the Father’s nudge to connect, and willingly lay aside our tasks in favor of intimate community with others, God honors our desire to follow his calendar over our own. When we do, we’ll often find ourselves marveling over the joy and comfort we’ve received from our friends when we least expected it.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

When a friend or coworker stops by or calls, allow yourself to be interruptible and connect in a deeper way.