A Concord Pastor Comments: Monday Morning Offering: 1/14

Good morning, good God!

This morning, Lord, I want to offer you
all the interruptions in my schedule,
in my plans, in my day, in my week -
in my life!

I offer you the bumps along the way each day
that throw me off balance,
that leave me unsure of my path
and mistrusting my own steps...

Help me take the bumps with grace, Lord:
use them to get my attention,
to keep me alert,
to pull me out of my ruts...

I offer you the unexpected phone calls
and the knocks on my door,
the fresh demands on time already scheduled,
the faces and voices that interrupt my plans to do
what I thought I was supposed to do...

Help me understand that you're in charge here, Lord,
and that you know better than I
where and when and how I might best serve you -
and that your view of my day is wider, deeper, greater,
clearer than my own...

I offer you the interruptions that distract me, Lord:
especially the little, annoying ones
distratcting me from more important tasks...

Make me patient - even grateful -
for the ways you turn my head,
whisper in my ear, take me by the hand
turning me away from what I'm doing
to someone else, another task,
a moment filled with a grace, a blessing
my impatience would keep me from finding...

And I offer, too, the bigger twists and turns
that my life takes over months and years:
when an unexpected circumstance begins to shape my life;
when unwanted work becomes my daily job;
when my heart's desire is put on hold -
and I, Lord, don't know why...

Help me to accept the moment at hand,
remembering that in all things you are present,
that no matter where my road may lead me
you'll never hesitate to interrupt your day
to walk my path with me...

When the unanticipated hovers like a cloud, Lord,
show me the silver lining
and let your light shine through with promise,
hope and warmth...

Give me the grace of acceptance,
to live my life a day at a time,
an hour at a time,
trusting that in every moment
you are there...

Open my heart wide, Lord,
to all whose paths cross mine:
let nothing keep me from meeting you
in every one, in every place, in every situation
on my schedule, by interruption
- or by the grace of your surprise!

Amen.