When someone calls you...
And, A) You're annoyed because you're busy...
Remember: They might be lonely and need a friend.
When history is over and you're in eternity, will you look back at the project or job you were working on and think,'Man, I'm glad I blew Jim off with that phone call quick, because I was able to get this job done on time!' ???
Nope. You probably won't regret unfinished work, missed deadlines or wish you had worked harder. You might have insight into special divine appointments -- some of which you cancelled or blew off (or failed to do the right thing about) -- and those will be the things you regret.
Spending time with people.
So, I'm preaching right now, but I'm preaching to myself (if anyone else gets anything out of it, that's great ... I just hope I can listen to my own advice here...). The next time you get a phone call or an unexpected visit, try this:
a) spend some time with them. have a laugh or two. try to make the other person focus on just what is being shared between the two of you at the moment (a joke, a story, laughter, spiritual encouragement, scripture, whatever).
b) don't let yourself get distracted. if you are working for someone else, your boss is not going to be happy if he/she sees you holding the phone to your ear for 45 minutes, listening as your friend rambles on and on about whatever. at a certain point (after you've actually given yourself to the person, maybe even for a couple minutes) step up and say, "i'm sorry, but i've gotta go. i've enjoyed talking to you."
c) what you've done is you have not been annoyed from the very first second, sending your "i'm annoyed and wish you'd go away" vibe that will surely, certainly come across sooner or later (probably immediately in the tone of your voice and the "uh-huh" non-commital un-responses you're giving them). you've put the annoyed feelings aside, given yourself to this person (even if just for a few moments), and you've also set boundaries so that you don't feel used by the other person. you gave freely. you measured out a time and given yourself totally to it, but then finished it and went back to whatever it is you were busy with.
whew!
big sigh.
I hope I can do that.
[There will be a test]