Interruptions = Sanctification
Without "interruptions," I'd have precious little to write about!
I love summer for its warmth, its rich fruition, its beauty, and all the opportunities it presents for gathering with my people. Even so, summer is the season of interruptions. I make a list for my day only to realize that the green beans have produced another crop and need to be picked. (Waste not, want not!) Instead of studying for a series of talks or writing a book review, I strip beds, marinate chicken, assemble huge bowls of pasta salad, and wonder whether to make whoopie pies or pineapple squares for dessert.
Fortunately, this summer isn’t my first tango with a disastrous summer schedule. I’m busy reminding myself that if it weren’t for all the “interruptions,” I would have precious little to write about. I’ll never stop planning all the plans, but my willingness to release my death grip on having-my-own-way is the measure of my willingness to pray “Your kingdom come; Your will be done.”
I’m thinking of Philippians 2:8 ((MSG) in which we remember that Jesus “lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death.” Every day, the Lord presents me with a choice: “What’s it going to be today? Your will or mine?”
Of course, it’s not that they aren’t ever the same. By grace, that does happen, but whenever it’s a choice between people and projects, I tend to worship at the altar of productivity. So, I’m learning (slowly—I am a slow learner) to invoke a simple equation to help me think well of the interruptions of summer:
Interruptions = Sanctification
I’m free to make plans and, most of the time, I’m free to carry them out, but a greater freedom comes when I view my plans as an offering to the Lord. Kicking myself out of the center of the universe makes room for others there. And it makes for a much better summer!
Project Christmas Mittens
The goal is six pairs of Christmas mittens in time for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m almost halfway there! And I’ve started with the biggest mittens first, so the outlook is very good that I’ll be able to finish in time!
Glorious Interruptions!
August Book Briefs
(By the way, in last month’s poll, 95% of respondents said YES to more book reviews here in the newsletter, so thank you to all who voted!)
A big welcome to new subscribers who found their way here via the women’s conference at Metrolife Church in Casselberry, Florida. Thank you for the warm Florida welcome extended to this girl from Maine! Who knew that collard greens and cornbread could be the perfect Sunday dinner?
This Saturday, I’m looking forward to diving into the Beatitudes with the women of East Auburn Baptist Church. Then it’s a swift return to canning, grandkids, substitute teaching—and who knows what opportunities for sanctification 😉 God has in store for September?
How is God using the “interruptions” to your plans in your sanctification process? I’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to forward this letter to a friend who might love the conversation and resources!
Holding You in the Light,
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P.S. Here’s the reward for everyone who reads all the way to the end of the letter: the latest picture of all six of the Morin grandkids!
I just finished two busy weeks of spending time with my oldest grandchild as he transitioned into Kindergarten. It seems he had more days off than days in school but that is how his district does it. It was the most fun and joy-filled interruption.
I admire how you find the time to write as much as you do. It is a blessing to see your writings grace my inbox. I read them but don't always comment. Blessings to you friend!
Michele, I am finishing developing a four-part retreat series this fall on holiness, and I've jotted down your pithy "formula" - interruptions = sanctification. Thank you!