Finding Joy in the Interruptions

Recently I was reflecting on how life has a funny way of interrupting us, and how many seasons I’ve complained about without realising it.

I was thinking about cooking dinner. Years ago, after a long day at work, the girls were young and I’d drag myself home thinking, “I really can’t be bothered cooking tonight.” But of course, I did. It was one family meal. One pot. One recipe. One dinner.

Fast forward to today, and our household has become an amateur version of MasterChef. I’m pescatarian, Olivia is vegan, and Greg’s dietary requirement is simply “food.” Thankfully, he’ll eat whatever you give him.

Looking back, I realise that what once felt like a burden was actually a simpler season. It reminds me how easy it is to wish away the season we’re in, only to discover later that it was a gift.

So now I find myself thinking that perhaps I should embrace this season of my own little MasterChef kitchen. Instead of seeing it as another chore, I can choose to be content and grateful. Grateful that I have food to cook, that I’m physically able to prepare it, that I’m learning new recipes, and that I still have people to cook for.

Because the truth is, none of us knows what the future holds. There may come a day when food is scarce, or my health no longer allows me to stand in the kitchen, or our family looks very different. One day I may find myself saying, “I wish Olivia still lived at home. I wish I still had people gathered around the table. I wish I still had meals to prepare.”

Contentment doesn’t come from having an easy life.

Contentment doesn’t come from having an easy life. It comes from recognising that today’s ordinary moments are often tomorrow’s precious memories. Instead of longing for a different season, perhaps God is inviting us to be thankful for the one we’re living in right now.

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Paul understood this. In Philippians 4:11-13 he says:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Paul was in prison when he wrote that, and it was Christ who provided his inner strength. I was in my kitchen. As a mere mortal, even the gift of a full fridge can feel like a burden. But I’m getting better, slowly, at asking God to help me see and be content in any and every situation. Because contentment isn’t about perfect circumstances. It’s something we learn.

Yesterday I had a rare day off work. I was looking forward to having the house to myself, which doesn’t happen often. It was just me, my caravan craft studio, and the exciting prospect of finally organising my ever-expanding clutter of creative supplies. I’d emptied half the studio into my car over the weekend and was feeling very excited that yesterday was the day I’d finally reorganise my van. I was looking forward to a gentle day on my own.

Meanwhile, my husband was getting ready for work. He independently decided to iron his work shirt. Without his glasses on, he didn’t notice there was a watermark on the ironing board cover. Unbeknown to us, our precious young cat had had an accident on the laundry floor next to it, which the cover had soaked up. He only realised something was wrong when he got a whiff of ammonia from under the hot iron.

There went my morning, cleaning up.

Just as I was getting back on track, made a cuppa, lit a candle, my dear 90-year-old mum rang. She’s on blood thinners and had suffered a serious nosebleed from both nostrils. She was understandably distressed and asked if I could come over and help.

So there I was, driving across town in a car packed to the roof with craft supplies, looking like I was either fleeing Spotlight or setting up at the Royal Easter Show.

When I arrived, her bathroom looked like a scene from CSI. As I was cleaning walls, floor, the basin, washing rugs and carrying out bloodied clothes in a garbage bag because Mum insisted they were beyond saving, I thought, this is not what I planned. My peaceful craft day had turned into an episode of Miss Marple.

I felt for Mum. But I’ll admit, I also felt a little sorry for myself, and a bit frustrated that my day to myself had been hijacked.

But that’s life, isn’t it?

It’s not so much what happens to us. It’s how we respond

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Some seasons are for creating. Some are for serving. Some are for sitting quietly. And sometimes the season changes without asking our permission. Sometimes God’s plans are less about protecting our schedule and more about shaping our character.

Those interruptions become opportunities to show the fruit of the Spirit: love, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. Not because they come naturally, but because the Holy Spirit helps us when they don’t come naturally.

There are moments when I need to pray, “Lord, I’m being far too focused on what I want today. Please help me see what You want from me today. Open my eyes.” I do believe God interrupts our day on purpose, and we need to be tuned in to Him. Maybe that’s the real secret of contentment.

Not getting everything we planned. But trusting that wherever God has placed us today, even in the interruptions, He’s still at work.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are with us in every season of life. Help us to be content, not because life is always easy, but because You are always faithful and unchanging. When our plans are interrupted, remind us that You may be giving us an opportunity to love, serve and reflect Jesus to others. Grow in us the fruit of Your Spirit, and help us to trust You in every circumstance. Amen.

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