“Ever notice how life happens while we’re on the way to do something else?” asked Pastor Loy recently as he started his sermon.

That’s exactly what happens one particular day, as Jesus is on his way to heal some religious dude’s daughter in the middle of a very busy day. While he is on his way, with the crowd pressing around him, this random woman suddenly reaches out and touches his clothes. Weird, right?

What does Jesus do? He stops to speak with her and ends up healing her also… (you can read the story in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5:21-34). I admit, I didn’t see this coming in the story. But Jesus – classic breaker of the status quo – allows her to interrupt his day. Not only allows it, but welcomes it.

Around our house, we often start Saturdays with the words, “Rise and shine, boys, we’re wasting daylight!” followed up a short while later with “Come on now, let’s go! Let’s go! We’ve got things to do, places to go, people to see.” I love to work, love the feeling of accomplishing a goal. But I hate interruptions.

I have this great ability to get focused on the task at hand. My wife has known that for years, but I’ve only recently admitted the fact that I often have a one-track mind. I want to check it (whatever it may be) off the list. Give me a list of things to do, and my eyes are on the goal, don’t stop me ’till I’m done.

But I’ve learned in recent years, that I can actually miss out on life as I’m trying desperately to accomplish life.There’s something to be said for productivity and efficiency, but when they come before the needs of those around me, I miss out on real beauty, on real life.

It was C. S. Lewis who wrote, “The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own,’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is, of course, that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life — the life God is sending day by day.”

Here’s a confession – I have a schedule to keep, even when I don’t have a time schedule. I hate to appear to myself or others that I am wasting time. Now don’t get me wrong – I’m a great time waster. [Maybe I’ll write about that another time…. but have I said yet that I hate interruptions?] Any maybe it’s just a guy thing… but I don’t think so.

And then there’s this unpleasant reality – I often create my own interruptions. Even while writing this article, and researching random words on Google – like “interruptions” and “synonyms for productivity” – I found myself distracted and off track.

The problem is – I want to do what I want to do. But often there’s something else altogether that needs to be done.

People stop by who need a listening ear. Phone calls come at inconvenient times. Friends break down, accidents happen and difficulties appear. None of them are scheduled. People around us are hurting and need loving, and quite frankly, loving someone takes time. It is inconvenient to our personal agenda. But it’s where life happens. Real life.

Come to think of it, it’s probably the only way life can happen. Which actually bothers me a great deal.

Because not only do I dislike interruptions, I don’t like to interrupt others. And when that extends to God – as it often does – I find myself in trouble. How many times have I not asked for help because I am so damnably independent – typical American male that I am? How many days have I gone on in suffering, pain, grief, loss of “real life” when all I had to do is ask, to reach out and touch him, as it were?

Over and over again, Jesus – through his life and teachings – offers wholeness, healing and life to any and all who “interrupt” him. In fact, scriptures say, “There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help, for all who call out to the Lord will be saved.”

You see, God’s “daily schedule” (if he has one at all), is designed specifically with you in mind. So don’t worry about interrupting him! The truth is, you desperately need the Life he offers. And so do I. Are you going to ask? Or are you going to go on and try to do it all yourself? How’s that been working for you?

I gotta run… somebody’s at the door.

© 2012 written by Pastor Allen Patterson