Dear friends,
Just as I’m about to tell the punch line of my hilarious schnauzer joke, the server arrives with our chimichangas and the moment is lost. Or a conversation is hijacked, and before you know it we’re talking about someone else’s colonoscopy instead of mine.
Has this ever happened to you?
When we gather and talk with other people, interruptions are inevitable. Whether they’re due to busy waiters or loud noises or friends eager to share, chances are we’ll be verbally cut off.
But I’ve also noticed a curious side effect that can sometimes occur with interruptions.
Take, for instance, the time I was talking about an entertainer’s messy divorce during a group lunch. Another friend arrived right in the middle of my story. After all of the hugs and hellos, no one turned and eagerly begged me to continue. That brief pause gave me a moment to realize I was gossiping. I didn’t revive the conversation with “Anyway, as I was saying…” and blessedly, we simply moved on to the next topic.
Later, upon reflection, I was deeply grateful for the interruption that spared me regret and embarrassment. Right then I sent up a little prayer: Please, let me be interrupted when my talk is cheap. Help me to be a better listener and talk less.
Thankfully, sometimes a phone rings at just the right moment. A friend cuts in to share good news. A caring restaurant manager stops by to see if we enjoyed our meal.
And grace abounds.
If you’ve ever been interrupted at just the right time, we’d love to hear your stories so drop a comment below!
About Eliza Cross
Eliza Cross is the author of 17 books, including Small Bites, 101 Things To Do With Bacon, and BERRIES. She enjoys sharing ideas to simplify cooking, gardening, and home projects. She is also the owner of Cross Media, Inc. and founder of the BENSA Bacon Lovers Society.
Yes. Too often to list. But, like you, I have recently been seeing the pattern and the blessing of the timely interruption!
You’re always so positive, Elaine. Thanks for sharing your similar experience. xo
Hi Eliza
Oh, your post is so revelant. I have had this happen several times. I read an article regarding this and the question was if you were interrupted and then no one comes back to ask you to continue, be quiet as it wasn’t that interesting. I love the suggestion that it may have been gossip!!! I so appreciate your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and this post is such a good reminder!! Thank you❤️❤️
So true – thank you for that wise reminder! Thank God He does ‘cut us off’ so we don’t say something regrettable – good for you for discerning that.
I love this. I read something once about how one of the main things we need to do when we’re interacting with other people is to be able to let go of our own agenda and just go with the flow of the conversation. What really matters is the connection with the other people, not whatever story one was telling.
What a timely topic Eliza. This just happened to me 2 nights ago. Your comments are helpful, and next time I will take advice and prepare to listen or at least go “ with the flow “. Love, Aunt Sara