"What's the plan?"

 

I've heard those words in church, in business, in family, in politics, in school, in every level of life. We are conditioned to have a plan, a "well thought-out, workable and achievable plan. And, in the process, some urge you to get rid of anything that interrupts the plan. Banish interruptions!

 

In some ways our plans, as  well thought-out as they may be, probably leave Heaven ROTF (rolling on the floor laughing). My faith counts interruptions as God's way of getting my attention. He's always got bigger goals than I do, and the interruptions prove it. The older I get, the more wisdom I find in Henri Nouwen's words, "I used to think my life was constantly full of interruptions, then one day I realized the interruptions were my life." 

 

Interruptions challenge our faith and give us hope. Think of them as gifts from God. They become God's roadsigns, pointers toward God's ultimate plan for our lives. 

 

God spoke these words: "I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

 

Plan to unwrap interruptions. You may not understand them, nor deserve the gift, but it's yours. Accept it and look forward.

 

In 1973 John Cappelletti, from Penn State, was the Heisman Trophy winner. On the night of his awards banquet, four thousand people crowded into the New York Hilton. John's speech was carefully prepared and held tightly in his hand. He was nervous, but thrilled and humbled to be receiving the Heisman.

 

In his speech, John expressed his gratitude to the Penn State team, his coaches, and Coach Paterno. He told how Coach Paterno had come to his house on a recruiting visit and spent the afternoon with John's little brother, Joey. That sensitivity to Joey played a major role in John's decision to go to Penn State. You see, Joey was battling leukemia.

 

As John began talking about his brother, an unusual hush fell over the crowd. John couldn't hold back the tears. He wadded up his prepared speech and let his heart do the talking.

 

"If I could dedicate this trophy to Joey, if I could give him one day of happiness, it would all be worthwhile. They say I have shown courage on the football field, but for me, it is only on the field and only in the Fall. Joey lives with pain all the time. His courage is around the clock, and I want him to have this trophy. It is more his than it is mine, because he has been such an inspiration to me."

 

When John sat down, there was a moment of total silence and then the jaded, but touched, banquet crowd stood and applauded. A tone of reverent tribute filled the room. Even the waitstaff applauded.

 

Joey was sitting near the front with his dad. He didn't understand what was happening and asked his dad why John didn't want the trophy. Joey's father said, "He wants to give it to you, son."

 

"But that's not fair," Joey replied. "It's his, he earned it; it's not mine, it's his."

 

"I know," Dad said, "but he wants you to have it. He wants to give it to you." This unexpected gift was not part of Joey's plan.

 

John wanted to honor Joey in the same way he had been honored. In this simple spontaneous public statement, John shifted the focus from himself to Joey. It was John's plan, and Joey's gift. 

  

Because of your faith, interruptions have new meaning. Do you sense it? 

 

Don't miss it, accept it. If God sends an interruption your way this week,  Take HIM at HIS word. He wants to give you something you don't deserve, so you will see his presence. Don't ignore the gift. 

 

God is still writing a book, and you are in it. Your interruptions, not your plans, are the chapters in HIS book.