I think God is trying to get my undivided attention. My friends, I am being vulnerable here. I have been working away on my October planners, lesson plans for church and school, baking lists, Christmas shopping lists….. But, I am feeling that God wants me to learn to be interruptable. How do I know this? In recent reading and conversations with friends I am hearing these words:

“Lord, unrush me.”

“Jesus, you have permission to mess with my plan.”

“God, interrupt my day with Your plan.”

“Surprise me, Lord.”

When I read that last one this morning, I surrendered. I thought I had before, but my planner nature easily tries to take charge again. I can make a plan, and I know God made me a planner-girl. But I have to remember that the plans I make are to live a life that glorifies God and blesses others. If I am so captivated by my ideas for how this day is going to turn out that I wear blinders to the people and opportunities that He places in front of me, then I am missing the mark. Its a matter of doing an excellent thing in place of a good thing.

We’ve all heard those stories of people who had an interruption that caused them to miss a train or plane that later crashed. We rejoice in the interruption later, but at the time of the interruption was there much rejoicing?

The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 NCV)

Not too long ago, a friend from many years ago contacted me on social media. I was glad to reconnect. When she asked for my number, I gave it to her. When she called not long after, I made an excuse to myself that I did not have time to talk to her and I would call her back. I did not take the call. About a week later I found that she had passed away suddenly. Imagine the regret I felt. Still feel. That was a lesson I will never forget. But still I found I did not heed the lesson the Lord taught me. I know well enough that I will keep taking that test until I succeed. I am determined to succeed. I do not want to miss an opportunity like that again.

So now, in the morning, I pray that God will interrupt my plan with His; that He will surprise me with how He can connect me to unexpected people and opportunities to be a blessing, or just to see His hand at work in my life. I want to be flexible and adaptable to the flow of the day, not stressing about what is left on the list. Seriously, my friends, do we ever come to the end of those lists?

I believe that embracing the interruptions in our day will help us live more purposeful lives than any perfectly completed to-do list can give. A purposeful life is a more contented life. Contentment springs from gratitude and certainly we need to be grateful that God loves us enough to mess with our plan with something unexpectedly amazing.

I’m not going to throw away my planners, or stop making lists. I’m going to start writing my plans in pencil and embrace the interruption.

It is October 1. I love a new month and I especially love October. I am a goal-setter, planner, maker of lists and a fresh page on the calendar excites me. So much possibility. So much time.

Until, that is, I start filling in the squares with all the “have-tos”. Work, doctor’s appointments, meetings; you know what I mean. Then there are the “want-tos” like church services, Thanksgiving with family, and breakfast dates with friends. When I look for where to put in those other items; things I have been dreaming to have time for like craft projects, pj days with a book, or my own writing project, there never seems to be much time. Unless of course I want to give up sleep entirely.

But THIS October is different. Nothing on the outside has changed. The inside of the planner is full of meetings, appointments, workouts and obligations. Still time for church and family. But God has been impressing on me in various ways that it is time for a new direction in this path. I have had many God-given thoughts to ponder, to jot down and occasionally to share with others, but most of them are stuck, waiting for their time to encourage, support or lead. God has shared things through His Word, through nature, through people and experiences and they have helped me grow closer to Him and the peace and joy that brings. I have had opportunity to share with some, individually and in groups, but now it is time for more, and I am making changes to carve out time for this God-opportunity.

This is where you come in! You are a part of God’s great plan! Are you feeling empty and dry like October leaves? Are you lonely, tired and discouraged? Do you have a blessed life, but need margin to enjoy it? Then come and join me as we walk through seasons together. I certainly don’t have all the answers – I am still walking myself, but I know the One who has the answer to our every question and concern. I am on the path to living the abundant life, a life that matters for God, impacts those around me and leaves me refreshed. I want this life for you too! I am ready to walk this path, hearing the crunching of the leaves beneath my feet, seeing the vibrant colours, breathing in crisp air. Pull on your favourite sweater, my friend, and let’s go. It’s time!