Interruption… or Opportunity?
What She Said - Part 6
Leigh Ann Betters, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Yesterday, Keri reminded us to be still and rest in Jesus. I’ll admit it. Being ‘still’ does not come naturally for me – or for most women I know. Whether we are young professionals, stay-at-home moms, homeschoolers, or empty-nesters, our lives are filled with constant demands that make it a struggle to carve out quiet time when we can ‘be still.’ But those moments help us refocus on Jesus in the midst of our day.
Sometimes, though, my desire for peace exposes my selfishness. In my busyness, I’m often tempted to view the needs of my family, friends, and others as burdens or annoyances -- I finally sit down to read and my husband needs my help with a household task. My well-organized plan is disrupted when a distraught friend calls and needs to talk. My schedule for the week is already filled to overflowing, and then I remember I signed up to make a meal for a family in need.
But recently, I’ve begun to view these ‘intrusions’ differently. The Holy Spirit gently reminds me that “we can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT). I can hold onto my plans with a closed fist and become frustrated and angry when they are interrupted. Or I can release my grip and make myself available to serve Jesus by loving others.
I asked the Lord to change my heart in this area, and Today’s Treasure points me to the answer. I’ve always focused on the beginning of this verse -- God is our refuge and strength – but today, it’s the second half that resonates with me: …an ever-present help in trouble. God not only offers us His protection and might, but His presence never leaves us. He is always available to us.
This truth changes my perspective. Because He offers me his constant presence, I am free to make myself available to others as the Lord ‘determines my steps.’ I can view each ‘interruption’ as ‘a divine appointment’ sent by God.
I’ve had plenty of opportunities to practice this new way of thinking. Even today, I’ve noticed a steady stream of interruptions while writing this devotional: a work-related text required an immediate response, my adult son stopped by for an unexpected visit, my husband called to chat on his way home from an appointment.
“Being available” looks different as we journey through the stages of life. When I was a young wife and homeschooling mother of four, being available meant focusing my limited energy on meeting the needs of my husband and children. Later, being available to my kids often meant staying up late at night since that seemed to be when they would want to talk.
Now that I’m the “older woman,” Titus 2 instructs me to be available to teach and encourage the younger women. When I meet an anxious homeschooler or frazzled young mom, I can be available by taking the time to listen to their struggles and share what I have learned through my own experience.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
My mother was a wonderful example of an older woman who made herself available to others, especially to me and my sister-in-law. For many years, she gave us the precious gift of her time – devoting one day a week to each of us. She would arrive at my doorstep every Tuesday, often bringing breakfast or treats for the kids, and give me a much-needed break. She also made herself available to many others – giving the gift of her time to other young mothers, sick friends, and her church. Now that I’m older, I realize what a sacrifice that was for her. Even though she loved her grandchildren and her friends, she was giving up time that she could have spent on other things she needed or wanted to do. Her willingness to be available to others flowed from her love for Jesus, and she did it with joy.
I’d love to say that I embrace each encounter or ‘disruption’ in my life with joy, but that is not always the case. With each one, I am faced with a choice: to resent the intrusion or embrace the opportunity to serve Jesus by being available to meet the need in front of me.
However, even when I fail, I can return to my Ever-Present Help and know that His forgiveness is always available for me. His presence is my Refuge. His joy is my Strength. This quiets my heart and gives me hope.
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Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.