What do we do with unexpected interruptions?

We were on our typical post dinner walk around the neighborhood. Only, we waited until later than usual, because of the steamy sauna-like weather, hoping the temperature would drop a bit as the sun began to set.

The humidity was thick, but the temp had come down and there was a nice cloud cover offering relief. We chatted and laughed and moved our bodies enjoying our evening ritual that always helps us unwind and make sense of our days.

A flash of lightening streaked across the sky followed by a low rumble of thunder.

“Maybe we waited too long to run,” my husband joked.

“What if it started raining right now?” My daughter mused.

A few more steps, another roar of thunder, and then I heard raindrops. Mallory echoed my thoughts, “I hear rain, but I don’t feel it.”

But then we did feel it. Big fat drops of rain pelting our bodies. And we happened to be at the point in our neighborhood farthest from our home.

Instinctively, we started running. My brain was focused on getting home as quickly as possible and away from the unexpected interruption. The unexpected wet shoes, water in my eyes, drenching of my clothes, soaking of my hair. Run. Run. Run.

And then I started laughing, because it was all so silly. The three of us in normal (not running) clothes and shoes sprinting through our neighborhood. Mallory who is f-a-s-t and was immediately way ahead of Brett and I had stopped running and was simply strolling. I started singing, “I’m singing in the rain,” and she joined in. With motions.

“Why would we run now?” Mallory asked. “We couldn’t get any wetter.”

It was true. If we were trying to stay dry that time had come and gone. Why not embrace it all. The rain our flowers and yard and grass so desperately needed. The release of the humidity from the air. The refreshment of the rain after a long, exhausting week that revived our brains and bodies and actually felt amazing.

Back home we were all giggling as we peeled off our dripping socks. We all felt better than before the walk, more alive, less stressed, happier.

How true is this of life?

We get frustrated at the things that blindside us, that don’t go our way, that aren’t in line with our preferences, but God often uses those very things to refresh and delight us.

I’m a girl who loves a plan and a program. I have both my Google calendar and my beautiful Hosanna Revival planner that I write in with pretty Papermate flairs. But God’s plans are bigger and better. That might look like a phone call from a friend when we’re trying to “get something done” or work we weren’t planning on picking up or a long layover on a travel day. It might look like the power going out or the meeting getting cancelled or our kiddo not taking their nap.

But sometimes those interruptions are from God, and when they’re not, He can still use them to delight, refresh, instruct, renew, teach, or encourage us.

Praying we can all be open to the unexpected blessings that come our way today.

Can you think of a recent time your plans were interrupted, but it turned out even better? Drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear. xo, Laura

For some insight from my neurosurgeon friend, Dr. Lee Warren, on how to help our brains embrace what God has for us today (even the unexpected things) give a listen to our convo:

What a joy to see these women diving into Brave Woman, Mighty God for their Bible study!!! I’d love to see your pics, too! Send them my way, So I can be praying over your group!

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