Interruptions!

The only things that generally interrupt my walking schedule through the week are encountering people with whom I pause to talk or meetings and other appointments that get added to my daily schedule. Otherwise the walks (regardless of weather) continue at their regular times corresponding to the particular day of the week; walks that are just walks or walks that take me to complete specific tasks or visits.

When we think about our own lives and as we go about our daily routines, what do we note as interruptions? With what kind of attitude do we view those disruptions to our well planned schedules? Depending on what they are (and when they come) we might get frustrated, we might get angry, or we might decide the interruption is more important than what we already had planned.

The way we react has something to do with how we focus on OUR TIME. The world’s focus (especially the business world) is that “TIME is money!” [Right at this point in writing I was interrupted by the phone and no one was there. It appeared to have been a business computer generated call. Those frustrate me when I run to the phone, only to find no one on the other end of the line. Well, back to this focus.] As I was saying, the world’s focus is that “TIME is money!” However, to understand the GREATER BUSINESS of life we ought to come to know that “TIME IS PEOPLE!” What we invest in others is of the greatest consequence!

Jesus is one of the greatest examples of taking TIME FOR PEOPLE even when He needed some time for Himself. (i.e. Mark 6:31-34) He was about His Father’s business and that related to PEOPLE! What Jesus valued we should also value!

When Jesus told the parable of the one we’ve come to refer to as the “Good Samaritan”, He noted two (a priest and a Levite) who had opportunity, but for reasons unmentioned (though much discussed) they stepped to the other side of the road and continued on their way. When introduced to the Samaritan we read…

“(33) But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, HE HAD COMPASSION. (34) He WENT TO HIM and BOUND UP HIS WOUNDS, pouring on oil and wine. Then he SET HIM ON HIS OWN ANIMAL and BROUGHT HIM TO AN INN and TOOK CARE OF HIM. (35) And the next day he TOOK OUT TWO DENARII and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and WHATEVER MORE YOU SPEND, I WILL REPAY you when I come back.’” ( Luke 10:33-35 ESV)

Beginning with a compassionate heart that was touched by the needs of another, I have highlighted each of the actions noted in the verses. This Samaritan did much more than just stop to help. He went out of his way to make sure this man’s needs were met. Looking at his actions we can see how this Samaritan saw PEOPLE as being worth the investment of both his TIME and money! Jesus noted his actions as proof of being a neighbor. ( Luke 10:36-37)

“TIME IS PEOPLE!” Sometimes I first see interruptions, but I’m learning to take more of my Lord’s view. How about you? Can’t we all do some growing in this area? “TIME IS PEOPLE!” That reflected in the business of Jesus. May it be exhibited more and more in the actions of our life as well.

Have a great day ACCEPTING THE OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST IN OTHERS!
Carl

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