The Best Made Plans ...

A Presbyterian Leader blogpost by Peggy Hinds

I woke early this morning, an hour earlier than usual. I lay in bed making plans to get up and take a long morning walk before it got too hot. I like morning walks, but I am not very disciplined to get up early enough to take them. This morning was going to be different.

I got out of bed and hobbled to the bathroom. As I do every morning, I looked out of the bathroom window to take in the morning. The wind was blowing, and a glance toward the sky revealed a storm heading our way - the one morning I got up early with the incentive to walk.

Instead of walking, I sat down at my computer and began my workday by checking emails and phone messages. That done, I began a time of meditation. I decided to write this post while it was still quiet in the house. I had written one line when my husband got up and the dog started his ritual greeting – jumping up and down with excitement. Once again, my plans were altered.

How often does this happen to us in the church? We plan our day to get the sermon written, or finish that book we started a month ago. The phone rings, and we are off to the hospital or the funeral home. Someone drops by the office unexpected wanting to talk to the pastor. The distractions can be frustrating.

I was a bit disappointed about the walk, but I can do it later. Instead of being frustrated that my plans were foiled, I greeted the rain with gratitude and pleasure. It has not rained in Louisville for a while. I welcome the diversion of the rainstorm, and the nourishment it brings.

As my husband walks down the hallway, I simply close this blog for a time. I would rather enjoy a few minutes with him before he leaves for his office. I know no better way to spend a rainy morning than snuggling next to him on the couch with a cup of tea. 

Now I am back to the post. All I really wanted to write was that life brings constant distractions. We decide how we will respond to them. We can get frustrated, or we can embrace the moment. It is better to spend time with a person in need of our attention than to get that sermon written. I chose to enjoy and give thanks for the rain over lamenting an early morning walk (as wonderful as that would have been). I much rather have a few extra minutes with my husband than write a blog.

Leaders model behaviors and set standards for those who follow us. The choices we make matter. Welcome distractions as God’s invitation to deeper relationships and sacred moments.

Comments

[Andrew Taylor-Troutman]

Thanks for this wisdom, Peggy. I am reminded of my grandfather, a minister for over 40 years, who once told me that ministry often begins with an interruption. I appreciate the invitation to view such interruptions and would-be-distractions as glimpses of grace.

[Byron Wade]

Nice post, Peggy. This is a continual reminder to me when I become aggravated on not completing my "to do" list.