His heart was moved

You had a long, tiring week, and now you are glad it is over.  After doing the dishes, you settle in for some relaxation when – just like that – the phone rings.  The caller ID tells you that it is that one friend who always seems to have a pressing problem.  Do you answer the phone? Or do you let it go to voicemail?

There may be good reasons to disregard the call.  Rest, especially time reserved for quiet prayer, is an important part of life.  But if you are following Jesus’ lead, you might say a silent prayer… and take the call.

Jesus’ plan had been for the disciples to rest after returning from their preaching mission.  He wanted them to get away from the crowds and recharge.  But when he saw the crowd awaiting them on the shore, ” his heart was moved” and he changed plans.  His “time off” became on opportunity to teach the crowd.

Like Jesus, we should all get in the habit of prayerfully setting our plans each day.  But again like Jesus, we should also be open to the possibility that something – or someone – will come along and disrupt those plans.  It is the openness of heart that allowed Jesus to feed the five thousand on his day off, and it is the same openness that will make us more available to the people around us who need our attention and care.

We all make plans.  Our lives are busy, and we often feel annoyed by interruptions.  But Jesus was not annoyed.  “His heart was moved” with compassion.

How open are you to letting God change your plans?  It can be tempting to deflect interruptions or brush people aside because you want to guard your private time or finish your to-do list.  but if you do that, you could end up missing an opportunity to make a difference – even a dramatic one – in someone’s life.

So go ahead, and make your plans! Just do not be surprised when God interrupts you with an invitation to love.

-word among us