I live in a very peaceful almost sleepy community. Most of the residents are middle aged working couples or retirees like me. Since my house sits on a cul-de-sac most of the traffic is the coming and goings of my friendly neighbors. You could say the quiet is deafening but it is the perfect setting for this passionate writer of devotions.
Then last week everything changed. The family next door decided to have a two day garage sale and my little slice of suburbia was infested with trucks and vans parked curb to curb, cars blocking mailboxes and driveways while heavy foot traffic crossed my newly reseeded lawn. Not to mention the loud and at times disturbing words spoken by those seeking cut-rate bargains. I know, I sound like a grumpy old codger.
Disruption is difficult to accept especially for a writer. Thoughts vanish like the morning breeze, that day’s inspiration prayerfully returns as tomorrow’s vision while writers block arrives suddenly and without invitation. Writing then becomes an exercise in futility.
Listen as Job bemoans his suffering to his three friends,
“so I have been allotted months of futility,
and nights of misery have been assigned to me.”
Job 7:3
Thank goodness my time of futility only lasted a few days.
Perhaps occasional interruptions are used by God to instruct us in the lessons of patience. Rather than becoming upset and anxious we should use the moment to relax, reflect and renew. Relax in His love, reflect on His promise and renew through His Word.
Read what Paul writes concerning renewal,
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
Maybe even back then they needed to stop, stand back, take time and smell the roses.
Titus 3:5
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Manna and Coffee 