Interruptions

I was looking at a book the other day, and the author was taking about “interruptions.”
Not the sort that I know I need to deal with.  Like some talking over the top of me.  One listening to speak rather than listening to hear.  I admit when I come across someone who does not want to discuss but wants only to tell and will not consider any alternative but their own; I tend to walk away.  It is pointless giving my point of view if it will not be considered.  It matters not to me if it is accepted as long as it is heard.
I am also not considering the type of interruption that serves only to distract me from completing what I an attempting.  I often do not consider another’s crisis of their own making is not mine to drop everything for and embrace.
The type of interruption being considered was the stuff of life ones.  Ones that when followed through cause a change of life direction.  Steve Jobs had his study interrupted and he followed a different path and Apple was born.  Nelsen Mandela had his political career interrupted with imprisonment, and he became a catalyst in the dismantling of apartheid.  C.S. Lewis was interrupted by a conversation with J.R.R.Tolkein and another and his life course was changed forever.
The whole point for me is there are some interruptions that signal a change in direction rather than an inconvenience.  Trouble is it is so easy to miss if not considered of looked for.
I would not wish it on anyone, but I see my stoke as an interruption that changed the direction of my life.  I was talking to a fella that had been hit in his car by an out of control driver.  His life changed forever.  I was amazed to hear him say he felt it was the best thing to happen to him as he put aside all he thought did not matter and pursed a life of meaning.
It really does amaze me how often I hear things like that.  For most, fortunately, a change in direction is born of a chance encounter while for some (myself included) something more dramatic is used to get my attention.
It I weird but while I was reading about interruptions I was interrupted by a phone call.  It was a guy who had decided on a course of action and was asking my thinking.  I said something then we prayed together about it.
To me in that instance it confirmed the direction I was heading.  Yet more than ever I am on the lookout.  Perhaps that thing I consider an interruption is a signal of future direction.   I can only remain open to alternatives.  Who knows a surprise could be in store.