Sacred Interruptions

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Life is full of interruptions. Our well-planned agendas can be suddenly altered. We all experience it. And how we deal with it is what matters. Their meanings alter our values and life decisions.

Interruptions from the Past

As a mom of four young children, I longed for an oasis of peace during times of frustration and exhaustion. One memorable morning, I got up early to read Scripture, write in my prayer journal, and be alone with the Lord. I was quiet and settled in my rocking chair with a cup of hot tea.

Ready to take my first sip of sacred time, the pitter patter of little feet ran down the hallway. My openness turned into irritation in a matter of seconds. My annoyance was about to spill over to my two year-old. I was tempted to scold him back to bed. It was still dark. He needed his sleep. And I needed my quiet.

I looked down at him. His platinum blonde hair reflected the innocence glowing around him. My heart softened. The moment stood still. Looking into his eyes were mirrors to my soul reflecting love. . . invitation. . . connection. . . awareness.

Looking into his eyes were mirrors to my soul reflecting love. . . invitation. . . connection. . . awareness. Share on X

The Spirit of God spoke to me in an almost audible voice saying, Judy, this is my little bit of heaven for you. I’m meeting you here now. Here is my gift to you.

That moment became sacred. How much more clear could God be? My cup of tea and my Bible, and my journal, and my agenda were no longer important.

I cuddled my little boy and told him, You’re my little bit of heaven, my son. He climbed up on my lap, his warm little body molded to mine. I rocked and sang praise songs with tears rolling down my face.

Interruptions in the Present

Here I am, many years later. Looking for the “Little Bit of Heaven” in the interruptions. Christmas seasons are sacred. It wasn’t that long ago that I stressed about the tree not being decorated. Or I waited too long to write & send Christmas cards.

It’s okay to feel a roller coaster of emotions at times. Memories that ornaments hold can trigger grief or loss. But the invitation here is to allow our emotions to be temporary messengers to our soul. Let them come. Let them go. 

But the invitation here is to allow our emotions to be temporary messengers to our soul. Let them come. Let them go. Share on X

How to welcome meaning in the interruptions:

  1. Slow down
  2. Stay in the moment
  3. Do the next right thing
  4. Look for “Little bits of heaven” in the midst. They usually show up in unexpected ways.

If I made a different choice on that day years ago, I may have scolded my “interruption” back to bed. Then I’d have continued sipping on my hot tea. My justifying may sound like this: “I’m exhausted. I deserve this alone time. I’m determined to make it happen no matter what.”

With my agenda? The day would have become forgotten along with other insignificant history.

Instead, that moment became transcendent. It holds deep meaning now.

Questions to Ponder

What are your interruptions during this Christmas season?

What meanings do you have from interruptions from the past?

How can you be intentional to slow down and stay in the moment?