Time for Intermission

INTERMISSION – interval, interlude, halftime, break, recess, pause, rest, respite, gap, space, lull, stop, halt, hiatus

I remember INTERMISSION when I went to a play or outdoor movie. That was the time we could visit the restrooms or get a snack or just to simply have a good ole’ stretch. I had a two-day intermission from my trip to Tulsa and Oklahoma City last week, before I received an SOS message from my Austin family. The boys were sick and their Mom and Dad had to go out of town the next day (yesterday). I quickly loaded my “still warm” suitcase and clothes bag, threw cosmetics back into the bag and within 30 minutes, I was on my way to Austin. My two-days at home had been packed full of “catch-up” and around 3 pm, I thought I’d grab a little nap (an intermission) before a meeting at church. I was awakened with that “SOS” call and was thankful I had been prompted to rest before then, because I was wide awake for my 4+ hour trek to Austin.

I sent text messages to those who were expecting me at events for that night and the next day. My sister-in-law sent these words of affirmation to me: “It’s a privilege for us to be able to help our children. They are our gifts from God. So glad you are there for them. It’s all about serving.” My daughter said, “Mom, how great that God has you available for your children!” I know she means that because she is the recipient of Mom’s “freedom” schedule. Now I know what my Mom felt when she was “on call” for us. What a tremendous blessing she was to our way-too-filled schedule.

Yesterday, I took the boys to doctor appointments. I embraced being the stand-in representative for their mom. This season of my life is precious, especially when it is being “on call” for my family. Last week it was getting to go with my grandson as he registered for real estate school. Yesterday it was praying for my granddaughter as she was taking her drivers license test. She passed. Thanks be to God!

I love schedules and I also love “winging” it because when I just run with the wind and I trust that my steps are ordered of the Lord, He gives me some of the most precious moments. I felt it big time yesterday. Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man (good woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he (she) delights in His way.” Little intermissions of pieces of heaven at home and at every stop along the way. I’m just thanking God, once again, for shining His light brightly into my world.

Intermission sounds like a come-to-halt on the main show, but I’ve determined that the “main show” is living audaciously with as much gusto as we can to celebrate those we love, do the things we enjoy that gives us pleasure and enjoyment, and when the time comes to take an INTERMISSION to gain strength for our next assignments and adventures…..we’ll be there with bells on and with hearts open wide to pour on the love to those we love when we can!

Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”