Interruptions

From My Perspective - - - -

In the ebb and flow of life, interruptions are a reality we all experience. No one is ever adequately prepared for the interruptions – they just occur. We might call these the unplanned encounters in life. In our lifetime, many of us can remember some of the major interruptions (and unplanned encounters) that have occurred – Pearl Harbor in 1941; World Trade Center in 2001; Assassinations – John F. Kennedy in 1963; Martin Luther King in 1968; Robert F. Kennedy in 1968; Hurricanes such as – Camille, Andrew, Ivan, Katrina, Gustav, Ike; Wars – World War II, Korean War, Viet Nam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq/Afghanistan Wars – interruptions that changed our lives and lifestyle.

It’s easy to recognize that our lives are filled with interruptions – some very small ones (like a telephone call or someone unexpectedly stopping by our home), whereas others have greater impact and require much more attention (a sudden illness and hospitalization; a death in the family; etc.). It’s how one responds to the interruption that is important and fascinating. One can respond with annoyance and frustration when an unplanned event/encounter occurs, or with a broader view of A Hand of Providence intervening and guiding us to some other focus and involvement than the one we had planned. Many can relate to being a personal part of an interruption that has occurred in the life of a family member or a friend – a sudden sickness, a death, an accident, an incarceration, etc. Sometimes – it’s just a matter of being there to support, encourage, or to let another know we really care. I have been in situations that were an interruption in the life of another where I have not known what to say or do. But then – the caring hug; the tear; a spoken word (albeit faltering), the touch of the hand – all seemingly unimportant actions – but – vital nevertheless in living out a commitment to love, mercy and compassion.

Not too many years ago, we gathered as a family in the Cancer Intensive Care Ward where our 30 year-old son-in-law was being treated. After all kinds of treatments had been tried, and after several weeks – the gravity of the situation was obvious. The moment had come to disconnect the life-support system! We stood in that room watching as the last signs of “life” ebbed from his body. In such a moment, words just don’t seem to come as easily as the tears. This prolonged “interruption” had come to an end – the end much differently than we had hoped and prayed. In the midst of this with all the scurrying of hospital staff and family members, there came the moment when our daughter wanted to be alone in the room with the man to whom she had been married, and with whom she had two children. A final interruption within a life! A change that would impact the life of a wife and two young children. An interruption that would change their lives forever. Who is ever prepared for such an interruption and moment? Where does one go? What does one do from that point forward? Lives are irretrievably changed!

The words of Scripture can almost sound hollow at such a moment. I’m certain when one passes through “the valley of the shadow of death” – God understands the feeling of emptiness one has and how hollow the words of Romans 8:28 may sound – “For we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” All Things? God’s Purpose? Two little children looking forward to their Daddy’s coming home to be with them? A wife who has done everything humanly possible in behalf of her loved one? Yes! In all things – even in the midst of one’s sorrow and time of emptiness – God is understandingly whispering – “My grace is sufficient for you!” You’ll see! I will comfort you in your sorrow! I’ll provide for you! Circumstances may change in your life – but – I remain the same – yesterday, today, and forever! I’ll give you peace and wipe away your tears! I’m faithful and I care about you now and forever! There is never an interruption in my love and care for you!

Consider these things with me - - - and remember that our God is never annoyed or frustrated by our times of “interruption” when we cry out: “Lord - Help!” Try Him – I know that you’ll like Him!