This week’s article is written by Arnie Saaf, a member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church, 1100 Airport Road.
There’s a saying, attributed to C.S. Lewis, that states “what one regards as interruptions are precisely one’s life.”
That may be true, especially for those who get interrupted on a regular and frequent basis. I always think of the clergy because they always have to deal with it. What is more important is how we deal with interruptions. I must admit I’m not very good at it. Particularly when I’m right in the middle of something … like right now as I am writing this. If my wife, Iris, were to call me to help her, I would probably reply “I’m busy!”
Many times Jesus would stop and attend to some request. Even when an interruption gets interrupted. Take the case of the events in Luke’s gospel at 8:40-56. Jesus returns to an expectant crowd when Jairus pleads with him to come to his home because his young daughter is dying. Jesus hurries on his way when a sick woman touches the edge of his cloak. He stops because he feels power go out from him. The woman comes forward and he says to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” Then news comes that Jairus’ daughter is dead. Jesus tells him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” He resumes his walk and arrives at the house where people are wailing. “Stop wailing,” he said. “She’s not dead, but asleep.” They laugh at him. Jesus takes her hand and says, “My child, get up.” Her spirit returns and she stands up. Her parents are astonished and overjoyed.
Not only is Jesus a model of patience with interruptions, but so is his Father. After all, when we pray, we don’t start by saying, “I know you are very busy, but I wonder if you would listen to my prayer?”
I plan to try to respond with kindness to every interruption because it is an important part of my life. Just think … what would life be like if we never were interrupted (read needed)?