You probably saw the East Coast was hit by a massive snowstorm last weekend. Our community saw more than 2 ft of snow. It certainly was not the weekend we planned. We had a mere 29 people in worship on Sunday morning after cancelling one of our two worship services along with our Sunday School. The leadership team at our church had also planned a retreat for Saturday, which also had to be cancelled. Stores were shut down, and roads were closed. It was all a great inconvenience.
That is what happens in life. Life gets interrupted. Things do not always go as planned. We will often find ourselves inconvenienced by circumstances beyond our control. There are many different ways to respond. These are a few ways we might respond.
Complain
There is always something good about which to complain. We get frustrated. Our temperature rises, and we are more easily set off. But complaining never does much good, other than to make you more angry with the people around you.
Express Gratitude
I am reminded to keep things in perspective. A snowstorm pales in comparison to the inconveniences that many others suffer in this world. We had a roof over our head and shelter from the storm. How many people in this world suffer from much greater inconveniences caused by war, poverty, and violence? Minor inconveniences help to put these things into perspective and to be grateful the things that we do have.
Look for the Opportunities
When life inconveniences you, consider what opportunities to present themselves. Maybe it is getting outside to meet your neighbors and help them out. Maybe it is getting to spend some extra time with the family. This snowstorm was an opportunity to create some memories. And there were other possibilities! Maybe it was an opportunity to catch up on some extra sleep. A little down time might also have enabled you to pick up a good book you have been meaning to read.
Look Around
Recognize the beauty. God’s creation is wonderful and amazing. There is the fresh coat of snow that blankets the ground, the individuality of every snowflake, and joy of children at play. I know that I am sometimes so driven and focused on the task at hand that I fail to look up and around. I need to do that more often. Soak it in. Take it in. Recognize that life is often so much bigger than we make it.
Witness God’s Power
He is Lord of all. He is Lord even over the storm. For all our ingenuity and accomplishments, there is nothing we could do to hold back the storm. The government could not stop it. The military could not stop it. No one could do anything to keep it from disrupting the lives of millions of people. But during the storm, I kept going back to how Jesus calmed the wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee. There is none like him. Stand in awe. Bow in worship to the Lord of all creation.
Learn About Yourself
It is in the moments where we are inconvenienced that we learn a lot about ourselves. We learn about the condition of our heart. We learn about our true commitments and priorities. It is one thing to fulfill commitments in ideal circumstances. It is another thing when we find ourselves inconvenienced and having to go out of our way to remain faithful. We learn about our true allegiances and strength of our character. Maybe most importantly we learn how much we need God!
Questions for Reflection
- When was a time you were inconvenienced and did not respond in a way becoming of your faith?
- What are some other ways we respond when life is interrupted?
- What opportunities have inconveniences in life given you?
- Share your comments.
Lin W says
I sometimes feel that I am daily interrupted and do not respond in a way worthy of my faith. But, lately through several different circumstances, I think I am finally seeing God and his faithfulness in these interruptions, and am truly experiencing joy. For example, my dad is suffering from dementia and it is putting more dependence on me 4 things he could handle on his own before. It means an hour drive each way at least once a week during a season in which I have possibly the most responsibilities I will ever have: a husband, three children, a job, a household, community. But, seeing this as a blessing to still have my earthly father here and the opportunity to spend more time with him has changed my focus. Out of the love God lavishes on me, I love my dad through making time joyfully for him. My whole attitude changes as I embrace the blessing versus focusing on the hardship to myself. Amazing Grace.
Phil Ressler says
Thank you for sharing that Lin. I am so glad that you are open to God to see the blessings that are before you. I will pray for God to multiply your minutes with all your responsibilities. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.