Interruption and Redirection

My favorite activity on values while I was teaching high school and college students is an imaginary trip together as a class. Let’s try this together now. Are you ready?

Let’s start: Get a sheet of paper, divide into 4 and cut. On each piece, write the top 4 things that you value the most. It can be tangible or intangible.

Now, we are set to go! We are going to an island with an extraordinary picturesque. All you need to bring are your 4 pieces of paper.

If you are ready say “let’s go!”

“All aboard in the bus!” One hour, 2 hours, 1 more hour to reach the coast, oops our car stopped and the engine will not start. Our driver called for an emergency technician and indeed he arrived in 15 minutes. The car was fixed! Unfortunately, when were about to pay, the mechanic said: “I’m sorry, I don’t receive cash, please pay me with something that you value the most.” Among those you have written, which one will you give up?

All went well after sacrificing something and we proceeded to the coast to ride a ferry boat. In 30 minutes time we arrived safely. The tour started and it was jaw dropping. 3 days went by and as we were checking out from the hotel, the lady at the counter smiled and said: “I’m sorry, we don’t receive cash, please pay us with something that you value the most.” Among those you have written, which one will you give up?

We were all cleared and we just needed to walk thru a long see-through tunnel to return to our home city. The underwater view inside the tunnel was equally amazing and fun that we didn’t even notice we have reached the exit door that leads to home. Before we opened the door, the gate keeper smiled and said: “You have to pay a toll fee, and since we don’t receive cash, please pay with something that you value the most.” Which one will you give up?

Finally we’re home each holding the piece of paper with something that you value the most. When we woke up, we are under ECQ due to COVID 19 pandemic.

Our life is like a journey. We plan and we are excited to execute the plans but God often times interrupts us when we start to lose track of what we value the most.

When the year 2020 started, I was excited for all the plans and events ahead but God shut down everything and let me stay home. It was an interruption without warning. But this is the time that He redirected my attention to stay home and no amount of busyness outside can compensate the quality time that I had with my family, God and myself.

Take a look at the last piece of paper. Is that where you are redirected now?

The wisest king Solomon tells us in Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Read through the whole chapter and discover what is truly valuable in life.

The next time you experience an interruption, find out where God is redirecting you.