January 9 devotional

by
Dr. Gary G. Kindley
Pastoral Counselor, Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX
www.drgk.org

Scripture 
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

A Word of Hope
I've become aware recently that I am getting better at embracing the unexpected. I'm beginning to thank God for interruptions in my day—granted that some interruptions are more welcome than are others. Some interruptions can help me to refocus on what is truly important in life (people rather than things), while others create new opportunities to practice patience or live out my faith. Unforeseen events and situations can become possibilities for new experiences, new learning, and new opportunities for growth and service.

I arrived on schedule according to my clock and calendar, but there had been a miscommunication and the 9:30 appointment at the local coffee shop was actually to start at 9:00 a.m. The person I was to meet had already left, and had left a message for me with someone at the store. I proceeded to wait in line for coffee and a pastry. Ahead of me was a man whom I had first noticed when I was getting out of my car. He was dressed for cold weather and it was a mild, sunny day. He carried a backpack, and was wearing a neck brace. A new hospital identity band was clearly visible on his wrist. He had approached another patron in the parking lot, they spoke briefly, and the customer had given him some change from his pocket. Now, change in hand, he was attempting to order a cup of coffee.

As he carefully counted the coins in his palm, he eyed the glass display case and realized that he didn't have enough money for anything besides a small coffee. I did what you would have done, I said, "Why don't you let me get this today?" He smiled sheepishly, and accepted my offer. I encouraged him to get something to eat and he ordered a ham sandwich.

We sat down at a table and he explained that he had just been released from a nearby hospital that morning. His brother was to pick him up but had apparently gone on to work, so he would need to wait until the end of the shift to get a ride to his brother's house where he could recuperate for a few days. He had been struck by a vehicle and knocked unconscious after getting off of a city bus the day before. He was bruised and sore, but had declined pain medicine because he was a recovering addict. Any challenges that I faced at that moment suddenly seemed inconsequential after hearing of this man's circumstances.

Whatever your day might bring, be it an overflowing toilet or an encounter with a troubled soul, I think that it can be a step toward greater spiritual maturity when we begin to see interruptions, inconveniences, and unplanned distractions in our day as opportunities to live as grateful, humble people.

Prayer 
Teach me, loving God, to see the possibilities and opportunities when I encounter the unexpected. Remind me that your timing has a grander vision in mind. Amen.