From details to disruptions...

"We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God who will thwart our plans and frustrate our ways time and again, even daily, by sending people across our path with their demands and requests. We can, then, pass them by, preoccupied with our more important daily tasks, just as the priest--perhaps reading the Bible--passed by the man who had fallen among robbers (Luke 10:31). When we do that, we pass by the visible sign of the cross raised in our lives to show us that God's way, and not our own, is what counts." 

~ DietrichBonhoeffer, 1906-1945, pastor, theologian, spiritual writer, musician, author

First thing this morning as a light shower of snow fell and while waiting for my brain to wake up, I browsed Facebook. Two posts jumped off the page and into my heart. The Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote came from my former pastor, Bill Thornton; and then this one posted by Cheryl Barker.

 “Attention to detail is the secret of success in every sphere of life, and little kindnesses, little acts of considerateness, little appreciations, little confidences . . . they are all that are needed to keep the friendship sweet.” 

~ Hugh Black, 1868-1953, Scottish-American Theologian, Professor, Author

Both quotes pierced my heart.

Bonhoeffer's words gave me pause to ponder God’s hand in what I consider interruptions, obstacles, and disturbances. Divine interruptions.

Following Cheryl's to her blog site, I found more conviction. She reminded me that God is a god of details…and we are to imitate Him. Because God pays close attention to details—in His Creation, in the Tabernacle, with His people—I should pay close attention to the details of my life—my words, my activities, my decisions.

Neither of these thoughts—Divine interruptions or God of detail—were new ideas to me, but ones I’d set aside or simply ignored.

The God of details quickly confirmed these thoughts as I moved from my laptop and Facebook to my quiet time of prayer and reading His word. New thoughts of courage and strength in the details, confidence and resolve for the interruptions rose within me. New ministry thoughts erupted.

Like the morning’s light snow fall gave way to blue skies and sunshine, the bleak beginning of my day grew bright and invigorated. Monday morning blues became Monday morning “I can dos.”

I hope you, too, will pause and ponder the wonder of God’s Divine interruptions and His details for your life.

“Whether, then, you eat or drink 
or whatever you do, 
do all to the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 nasb

*Flickr photo by Hey Paul Studios