Yesterday, I shared how I stopped getting frustrated with interruptions and started seeing them as part of the plan. But how do you actually live that out moment by moment?
It comes down to one simple question I ask myself throughout the day: “Am I choosing them or resenting them right now?”
This morning, my daughter asked me to play with her right as I was about to walk downstairs to start my work day. I felt that familiar tension rising; my plans were being derailed again. Then I caught myself and asked the question.
Was I choosing her in this moment, or was I mentally rolling my eyes and going through the motions while resenting the interruption?
The question forces honesty. It reveals what’s really happening in my heart, not just my actions.
When I choose resentment, everyone feels it. My help becomes grudging. My presence becomes distant. I’m physically there but emotionally checked out, counting the minutes until I can get back to “my” stuff.
When I choose them, everything changes. My help becomes generous. My presence becomes engaged. The interruption transforms from an obstacle into an opportunity to love well.
Here’s the thing: your family can tell the difference. They know when you’re choosing them versus when you’re just tolerating them.
The question doesn’t eliminate the interruptions; it eliminates the internal conflict about the interruptions.
Some days I choose them well. Some days I catch myself in resentment and have to reset. But asking the question keeps me anchored to what I actually want: to be the kind of father and husband who genuinely chooses his family, not just goes through the motions.
Try it today. When the interruption comes, and it will, pause and ask: “Am I choosing them or resenting them right now?”
The answer will tell you everything.