ON BEING INTERUPTED

Much of the time our interruptions are not from external distractions but from internal. Our interruptions come from inside ourselves. It is like we have another self inside our self that has a way of disrupting our thoughts…especially our quiet prayerful and meditative thoughts.

This self inside the self is the one who brings to our attention during our prayer time that we need to pay the auto insurance, buy some dog food, phone a cousin or get a hair cut. This self seems to be at odds with the self desiring to be quiet, focused, intent and centered. Just when we think we have ‘entered in’ to the presence of the Lord we all of a sudden also notice we have entered into a football game scheduled for the weekend.

Our interruptions (from ourselves) are something that can take years to master for the sake of contemplation… but it can be done. Like all worthwhile things it takes practice, dedication and concentration. Even then we are apt to have that ‘other self’ remind us that Wednesday is the day the garbage truck comes… and this is only Saturday.

“Pray then like this, ‘Our Heavenly Father, may your name be honored; May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” Jesus