Blessed Interruption

"What must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30b

It was very early in the morning. My husband had just left for work and I was sitting on the bed, Bible open before me, journal resting on my lap, pen in hand. Suddenly the scamper of little feet drew my attention away from the peaceful shroud of silence I was embracing at the start of the day. I will admit to momentary feelings of frustration when I realized my coveted time with the Lord was about to abruptly end. Looking towards our bedroom door, the sweetest, little cherub appeared and entered the room. At three years of age, it was still a challenge to crawl up on our big bed, but he managed it without too much difficulty, as one accustomed to this daily routine.

Before I could even say, "Good morning" or draw him into my arms for a cuddle, he looked up at me quite seriously and asked, "Mommy, how do I ask Jesus into my heart?"

So many thoughts instantly and simultaneously came to my mind. Where did this come from? Did he have a dream that initiated his question? Was last night's Bible story prompting his inquiry? Oh my goodness Lord, he wants to ask You to come into his heart. He's only three years old. Father, help me explain salvation in a way he can understand. Please guide my response as I share the gospel message with him again. Thank You for moving his heart to respond to You.

With the Spirit leading me, and my precious little boy beside me, we bowed our heads and prayed a simple prayer of confession and invitation. I will never forget that moment.

That was close to thirty years ago. He was "Christopher" then, but he's just "Chris" now. His spiritual birthday remains a highlight each year. While he lived at home it was always celebrated with a special dinner, birthday cake and a small gift of remembrance. Sincerely the scripture is true - there is no greater joy than to know that our children walk with God.

As the verse above has caused me to ponder these memories today, my thoughts are captured with several wonders. I wonder...what if I had asked my son to come back later, after I finished my "quiet time". Would his desire have waned? Would I have missed the priceless opportunity of witnessing God tugging at a child's heart? What if I had sent him away, not wanting to be interrupted? How often in our quest for holiness do we miss the holy?

Christ's life was not without interruption. On many occasions He was detained or presumed upon by those who were unafraid to approach Him. Those with whom His Spirit found entrance and they responded. Their need was greater than their trembling and their nerve stronger than their trepidation.

There was the woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her hair, pausing a meal. There was the man who was lowered down through the roof, disturbing a sermon for the sake of a message in healing. A woman who reached out believing a touch of the hem of Christ's garment would see faith rewarded. A father's earnest request on the roadside for his dying daughter that paved the way for resurrection. The adulteress, unharmed by stones, forgiven at the feet of the Solid Rock.

Interruptions. Some are demanding. Some a delight. All are divine. Some I receive, others I initiate. All fall under God's control. He is not caught unaware or surprised. Each phone call, each knock on the door, each diagnosis, each invitation, each casual encounter orchestrated by a God who views interruptions as intentional opportunities to grow in Him and share His love.

Have you asked today's question? Jesus issues it as an invitation. Rejoicing today that a blessed interruption changed a life for eternity.