Life comes at us fast. Sounds like part of commercial doesn’t it? If Nationwide Insurance is telling us every other commercial that life is moving fast, we are bound to believe it sooner or later. Everyday is a race to see how much we can get finished and by the end of the day we begin to dread going to bed to start it all over again. But do we need to run a race to achieve our passions, fulfill our dreams or complete our to do list? Where is the pause in our day and what would happen if we pressed the button to slow down? Would our day still be as effective?

Pause

On any given day, I mentally map out my morning and can feel immediate frustration if one step is derailed. I have created my to do list and find great satisfaction when each little imaginary box is checked off. I am a planner and love knowing that each detail has a home and can temporarily live there until it is time to move on to the next detail. I am asking myself recently what am I gaining by hanging onto my detail-filled plan? Is it helping me to move forward in a way that I am fulfilled, accomplished or even happy?

God calls us to rest and this isn’t done in an offhanded way. He knows we need to step back and press the pause button in our lives. The question for all of us who love to plan is, “how in the world do we do that?” I am currently asking myself this question. It may appear to be a part of your life that you have a handle on or if you are like me, you need help!

[Tweet “A pause provides rest in our daily pursuit of life.”]

I have treated myself to taking more time recently to read. One of the books I have been soaking in is Looking for Lovely by Annie Downs. She is real and when she writes, you feel like you are sitting across the table from her talking about life. I am halfway through this delightful book and totally stopped dead in my tracks yesterday, while I was reading the chapter on athletes. Here are the words that spoke into the piece of my soul where my deepest craving is right now.

He (Annie’s friend Tim) has taught me that to pause is to win and to rest can actually be part of the victory.

When life is hurrying out of control, we are not winning anything. The plan we believed was so great is a train wreck. Life doesn’t feel right. But that one sentence above spoke to me and I paused right there in the middle of my day to try to figure out why. I am seeking answers right now and along the way, I am learning to …

Soak in God’s word. This is where you will find truth.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

Accept grace from others. Know it is God’s gift  to you. Extend grace to yourself. 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

Take time to pause by reading, walking, listening to music or whatever allows you to step away from all those little details.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5

I am praying for all that we find the pause in our day and learn that this rest is our victory.

Blessings of grace along the way!

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