Disruptions

There are some things you have control over. Others, obviously, not so much. And for the things that you do have control over, decisions must be made. Will you handle it? That's a good first question, because if you aren't, then it makes moving forward that much easier. Delegate it if you must.

Forgive me. I'm laughing. A moment of confession. I'm writing this a day late. Thursday has passed. It's Friday. But I had this somewhat planned out in my head, so writing it for yesterday. Since starting it a few moments ago, my youngest child joined me. And now, as I'm typing, the words are being read aloud behind me. As if there was an echo in my brain, as I attempt to think of the next sentence. Meanwhile, the oldest has also joined us, wanting to read what I'm typing. Which the youngest as not called writing, as I don't have a pen in my hand. So it's "texting". Except I'm not on a phone, so technically, typing.

Why tell you all this? Oh, the irony.

I'm trying to work out the thought process of how to handle disruptions and God, in His incredible sense of humor, is having fun with me for posting this a day late. The youngest has caught up to my typing and as I contemplate the next thought, I hear... "by, Peter Conlin?" as if I were done. This is really hard!

No, I'm not done. But this disruption is keeping me from getting back on track, so that I can be done. What a dilemma. So, will I handle this? Yes, I'm smiling. That's my responding to it.  For some things, that's all you can do. Just react, preferably with a smile. Some things, even if you do have control over them, require consideration, as to whether you spend the time and effort to deal with them. Just like every dollar spent or invested in this or on that, is one less dollar spent on that or in this, so too are the decisions we make regarding everything we encounter on a given day; whether it was on the schedule or disruptive to it. And as much as plans have both a positive and negative aspect to them, so also, do the disruptions of life. Timing, perspective, relationship, importance and many other factors all demand our consideration and influence our response. Handle with care.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, that God would help church leaders to properly respond and handle the disruptions that occur. Both in their personl lives and in ministry, may the nature of disruption not ruin or detour their faith or their witness. Pray for clarity as they navigate difficult circumstances and conversations; that the fog and haze of the matter would be lifted. Pray that any sense of defeat and discouragement would be short-lived and removed; that they would walk in confidence and victory. May there be spirit of peace, that does not allow fear to take over and bring confusion and anxiety. Pray also, that we would recognize when the disruption is from God, attempting for whatever reason to capture our attention and perhaps, our heart as well.

Thanks for entertaining my disruption
On my thoughts regarding disruptions.
Only God in His timing, is perfect.

- PNC