Inconvenience or Opportunity?

These days, my schedule seems unruly and scattered on my Google calendar. Each event or to-do is neatly painted with a corresponding color to indicate the type of item on the schedule (Job 1, Job2, Work, Family, Social, etc.). I'm a bit type A, I know. But the time I take to color code creates a pretty good visual for me, how much time each week I am spending on different categories of life. I like to think it is a little immediate check or balance when my calendar pops up on the screen.

Its funny, because when I look at how I spend my time, I can almost predict what the state of my heart is that week. Was I spending time with the Lord, or was I spending more time in entertainment/work? I should preface this with saying, that I believe spending time with friends to some extent can constitute for time with God alongside one on one time with the big guy, as they are an important part of encouragement in my spiritual life.

I titled this post inconvenience or opportunity, because lately I've found myself getting annoyed by little "inconveniences". Needing to go back to work, because I forgot something. Running errands and writing case notes on a day where I would much rather be outside in the sun.

These days (well this week anyway), I'm working at seeing these "inconveniences" more as opportunities. That 2nd trip to work allows me more time in my car to listen to worship music and bask in the goodness of God. Next to outdoor runs, my car is the next best place where I feel like I connect to God. Weird, huh? I'm trying to infuse God into even the mundane tasks. Writing case notes is a cool opportunity to thank God for each of the unique people I get to interact with. It's a chance to allow the holy spirit to guide my treatment plans. Somehow...all of a sudden these "inconveniences" are becoming more of adventures beyond what I can see:)

I think sometimes we (well I should speak for myself--"I")--tend to do the same thing with friendships. I'm a devoted friend, when I have time. But when my google calendar is a splattered rainbow canvas, with little white space--I find excuses not to call a friend or go out of my way to volunteer for this or that. Sometimes, I seek out friendship when I need it. When things aren't going so well or I need extra support---I reach out to friends. But what about when I am not in need? Do I follow up with friends in the everyday--when it may not be as convenient? To be honest--not as much as I should.

I recently took a facebook hiatus for 2 weeks. Funny, how I made more of an effort to contact people via phone or in person when facebook was not a convenient tool for catching up. Hopefully...this is another area that I can continue to grow in. I feel like this time of life for me is a major period of growth. I've been blessed with a lot of opportunities to seek out the opportunity in inconvenience. I get to give God my undivided attention, without the concerns of significant others, etc. And, I have to time to delve into who God is calling me to be. I'm a work in progress, but I'm really enjoying this time!

Check this out http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=1CB0CNNU

.....and I challenge you to embrace the opportunity of inconvenience. Jesus' death on the cross was in no way convenient--but he saw the opportunity for us in the inconvenience.