Background
I decided to write a devotion about the numerous interruptions to my daily schedule. I usually make a detailed to-do list for the day without much wiggle room for anything else. One day I realized maybe these "interruptions" were actually opportunities to share the love of Christ with others. What if interruptions are part of God's plan for me that day? You never know!
Scripture Reading - Luke 10: 25-37 (NIV)
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denariiand gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Focus Scripture - Luke 10:27 (NIV)
He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your soul and all your strength and with all your mind' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Where God Wants Me
I find interruptions to my daily routine frustrating, especially when I'm on a tight schedule. This morning I was interrupted on several occasions. At the grocery store I encountered a clerk who was abrupt and somewhat rude. I asked how he was doing, and a story of anger toward a family member came tumbling out. Later I sought out a co-worker for advice. After answering my question, she tearfully told me of the recent death of her mother. At lunchtime a group of students asked if they could eat in my classroom. They had been teased, and they feared the bullying would continue in the cafeteria.
But were these really interruptions? Or was I simply where God wanted me to be? Often we rush through our busy days with blinders on, oblivious to the needs of others. Jesus commanded us to love those we meet each day. It takes little time to love our neighbor by listening, being compassionate, or offering sanctuary. The grocery clerk is my neighbor, and as I left he was smiling. My co-worker is my neighbor, and she thanked me for allowing her to express her grief. My students are my neighbors, and they left their lunch break happy and more confident.
If we look at our days for opportunities to spread Christ's love to all we meet, we'll often find ourselves exactly where God intends us to be.
Prayer
Help us, dear God, to see the interruptions of our life as opportunities to share your love. Amen
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