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Originally uploaded by laundrylessons.

I knew it would eventually happen. I’d avoided this oversight so many times; my time was coming. Often, I’ll turn on the washer, pour in the soap, and then run upstairs to get the load of laundry. I like the soap to dissolve; it makes me feel like I’m good and decent, following the directions on the box. Now, several times I’ve come “one checked email away” from forgetting about the laundry, but I’ve always gotten my sidetracked mind back in the game before the laundry started without the clothes. Not this time.

Yep, a whole wasted 20 gallons of water and a big scoop of soap. Yes, it was the computer that made me forget the wash. It wasn’t until I heard the machine draining, preparing for the spin cycle, that I made a dash and opened the lid. Like a bubble bath waiting for a dirty kid, there stood my washer filled with soap and nothing else.

Sidetracked. That’s what we call our interruptions. Something that distracts us from the big event or the task on hand. I think the computer must personally take the blame for 98% of all sidetracked people. This box can suck, literally suction your mind away from every relevant event in your day. But I’m on to its tricks and try my hardest not to hit link, after link after precious link. Oh, it is so addictive.

Kids, the phone, Oprah, the neighbor at the door, all come in and erase the task at hand. I’ve left cookies in the oven to burn, the vacuum in the hall, a bill unpaid and a child at practice all because of interruptions. But once in awhile it feels so good and right to be stopped mid-thought, mid-task or mid-life.

Some days I view Merritt as one of these perfect mid-life interruptions. I was traveling along at breakneck speed shoving kids in soccer and gymnastic lessons, eating lunch in the car as I dashed from volunteer activity to Bible study to the grocery store. Running, focused, never allowing for the interruption to slow me down. Then comes this precious child who says, “Let the laundry go, it’s time to be interrupted.” And I don’t have a choice, I’m sidetracked.

But, I’ve adapted to her interruptions and the ability to be flexible is the reward. Many people care for elderly parents, disorderly teens, special needs kids, and those who do understand what it means to be sidetracked by someone else’s needs. I enjoy my slower paced life. I’m more laid back because I know that events will disrupt my plans. But like the laundry I forgot, there will always be time to throw in another load, maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday I’ll get it done.