Handle interruptions gracefully? Me? I admit it—when it comes to dealing with interruptions in a positive way, I’m very much a work under construction. And messy construction at that.
When I’m in the midst of a task or working my way through my to-do list, interruptions can trigger a variety of reactions in me, and unfortunately none of them are very pretty. I’m not proud of it, but eye-rolling, huffing and puffing, finger-drumming, or even an irritable outburst may be involved. Of course, the inward reaction is even stronger as I allow the pressure-cooking-work of frustration to do a number on me.
I’m sure my type A personality and goal-oriented work style have something to do with my difficulty in managing the interruptions that come my way daily, but I can’t use that as an excuse to continue handling them in a negative way. I need to do my best to retrain myself to react to interruptions differently.
Last summer, Jeff Goins’ post Please, Interrupt Me challenged me anew to be more interruptible. Instead of resisting interruptions and allowing them to frustrate me to no end, I need to welcome them and see them as opportunities.
If I change my thinking, an interruption can become an opportunity to serve someone I love—or maybe even a stranger. It might be a chance to offer some words of encouragement or to experience an unexpected blessing from God. Or maybe it will be a treasured memory in the making or simply a chance to grow my character. God may want to polish a jagged edge and allow more patience to shine through my life.
Seeing interruptions as opportunities is a mind-set I have to remind myself of frequently—and I’m still too far away from handling them gracefully. But at least I have a desire to improve. At least I’m under construction. And I’m ever so thankful for the tenacity and patience of the Master Builder who is working on me.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity . . .” Ephesians 5:15-16a
*Is any aspect of your life currently under construction?
Flickr photo by takomabibelot
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Cheryl – I have the opposite problem to you. I’m very easy to interrupt and allow myself get totally distracted at the drop of a hat. My plans and deadlines get put aside very easily. I hope to become more organized and disciplined with my writing and blogging over the coming months. I love to read your posts for some inspiration.
All the best,
Mairead
Mairead, thanks so much. What a blessing to hear that my posts provide you with some inspiration. And hey, thanks for sharing your experience on the opposite end of the spectrum. Being interruptible can be such a positive thing, but I guess our strengths can also turn into our weaknesses — on both ends of the spectrum, huh? Blessings to you this week!
Oh how I needed to read this today! Thank you for the reminder that interruptions can all be part of God’s plan!
Vonda, so glad this post came at the right time for you! Thanks for letting me know.