OBSTACLES AND INTERRUPTIONS

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Another month has passed, and here we are in June. I am grateful and honored for the opportunity to share again. Despite the obstacles and numerous interruptions on the journey up to now, life is good. Every day is going to have obstacles and interruptions—more likely than not, multiple ones. All I can do is share my journey with these beautifully ugly, simply complex moments that are just part of the deal. So let go for a minute or ten and lend me your eyes to see and ears to hear… please. I hope to shed some light on these inevitable noncoincidences that are not just part of life but part of God's plan.

I began this article on Memorial Day, 2024. I did not plan this topic, yet here we are. Imagine the life-altering interruptions our military folks/heroes experienced defending our United States of America as one nation under God. Please take a moment and give thanks to all those who gave their lives to protect our freedom. Then, take some time to both appreciate and truly understand a fraction of the countless sacrifices from decades past that people made so we can appreciate where we live right now. And pray for all of God's children throughout the world who are not as fortunate to be blessed with this freedom.

Funny thing—I write this article now while watching the French Open tennis tournament, where #1 seed Novak Djokovic stands amidst his own obstacles. After an easy first-set victory, he injures his right knee in the second and suddenly finds himself down two sets to one and down four games to three in the fourth. Visible to all, on center court is the saying, "Victory belongs to the most tenacious." Here, Novak performs "most tenaciously," overcoming all obstacles to win the fourth and fifth sets. I later found out that he had torn his meniscus. By definition, obstacles are simply things that block one's path or way. They prevent and/or hinder progress. Interruptions stop the continuous progress of one's goal or desired outcome.

As I often say, "Don't play scared." Novak did not play scared and overcame his obstacles by drawing tenaciously from years of training, dedication, discipline, and obedience to emerge victorious.

So, in our daily journeys filled with obstacles and interruptions, we must do the same. Do not play scared. Trust God's promise that Jesus offers to overcome all obstacles and create opportunity from our interruptions. There is no way around the weight of life's unending series of burdens and responsibilities. That's just life. So don't play scared and look for an out, but rather, look tenaciously to Jesus, who offers a way to carry the weight of life with a straight back, a joyful heart, and a smile on your face for all to see and draw strength from.

Sounds good, yeah? Well, yeah, this is good news that's quite literally spelled out in the Bible. So get to know your Bible and, in turn, get to know God's will and counsel. Put in work, people. Don't get discouraged or overwhelmed; get tenacious in your study and strengthen your foundation. Memorize some scripture to draw from in times of need. One of my go-to's is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Trust in the Lord requires unwavering faith and patience, as they are invaluable when dealing with life's daily obstacles and interruptions. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Straight up scripture in that amazing Bible, from Hebrews 1:11. Patience is the first descriptor of the apostle Paul's definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4. Patience requires us to unhurry and slow down. It is a concerted effort to be present to someone in love. Love is also very time-consuming, with no shortcuts. This is why God walks slowly, because God is love. It is an inner spiritual speed that is lord over all other speeds, as it is the speed of love. I got this great lesson from my Bible app by simply putting in work. It took me a minute to fully understand the message, but when I slowed down and unpacked it, it made sense. It's definitely a "simple but not easy" one for me. This reminds me of the acronym for joy—Jesus, Others, and then Yourself. So, look at interruptions as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience. Take these opportunities to be courageous and slow down to listen and share with loving patience.

In closing, trusting in God's promise and will, with patience to get you through obstacles is for your love for Him, and His for you.

Until next time,

Much love and be blessable,

Larry