The Power of a Moment
If there is one thing COVID-19 has taught me, it’s that in-person relationships matter. As an introvert, the idea of staying home alone for an extended period of time is appealing. However, as an introverted mom of five children, ages 2-9, there is no such thing as “alone time.” Someone always needs me, and they will channel Indiana Jones to find me no matter where I hide.
Personally, COVID-19 isolation resulted in none of the connection I craved (long talks with friends and family) and all of the connection that I often feel like I need a break from (10 little hands all wanting to touch me—and my love language is not physical touch). I found myself just wanting to escape to pick-up groceries. Yet I was emptied of the life-giving connections my dear friends provided on a weekly basis. I used social media as an attempt to bridge the gap, but when it comes down to it, we all need a person to touch and an ear to listen. My soul was revived when I was able to reunite with my friends, and my children felt the same way when they were reunited with their friends.
We all need to feel like we matter and that someone wants to hear us and be with us.
When I stop and think about how empty my soul felt when I was taken from my core group of friends, I was conflicted: What am I telling my children when I want them to stop touching me? When I need time away from their needy hands? When I need to accomplish this one more thing before I can read a story or push them on the swing? Am I looking out for their interests first, or am I being selfish? Granted, there are times when dinner must be made or someone else’s needs take priority, but are the constant touches, whines, and requests a sign that I am ignoring the greater need?
Philippians 2:4
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Our lives are full of interruptions. If you do not have children, there are the needs from extended family members or work that seem to always be tugging us away from what we would prefer to be doing. Jesus never viewed those around him as interruptions. They were his mission. When I think about many of his miracles, they happened while he was on his way to do something else.
Perrysburg Campus Pastor Josh Whitlow spoke about the woman who was suffering from years of bleeding. She was not the person Jesus was on his way to minister to, but when she came into his path, he connected with her and brought her healing. Jesus healed a blind man, a demon-possessed child, and a man with leprosy in much the same way. They sought him out, and he willingly allowed them to “interrupt” his day.
The people God puts in our lives are not the “interruption,” they are the ministry—your purpose. So next time you find yourself being interrupted from your “work,” stop to look at the person God has placed in your life as your ministry and your true work.
Questions:
How is your attitude when you are interrupted by another person’s needs while you are working? Do you gladly connect with them or grudgingly comply with their requests? Do you view the interruptions of some people (your peers, employer, “important people”) with more grace than others (children, family, etc.)?
Next Steps:
This week, make an effort to connect with those God has placed in your life. If you have children, make time to read a story or play with them. If you do not have children, think of someone who is important to you and make an effort to meet with them on their terms.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for never looking at me as an interruption. Thank you for always viewing the people in front of you as your mission and purpose. Thank you that you served the lowly and “unimportant” over those the world valued more highly. Give me eyes to see those you put in my path as my ministry and purpose. Help me make connections with others so they feel heard, seen, and loved. Thank you for seeing me even though I do not deserve your love or attention. Amen.
This post was written by Julie Mabus. Julie has a passion for thinking about big ideas, art, reading, and seeing God reveal himself through creation. She is married and is homeschooling her five young children.
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