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Embrace the Pause

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On a recent Saturday morning, while cleaning out the pantry there was a small amount of pancake mix left in a bag. It was the perfect amount for a small batch of blueberry pancakes. After they were made, I ate 2 and left 1 to finish cooking. After finishing the portion for breakfast, I spied the lone pancake in the pan and immediately decided I needed that one as well. But, through a pause and an evaluation it was discovered that I was full and the extra pancake could be used for a quick weekday breakfast. A quick phrase - "Embrace the Pause" came to my heart.

Running full speed is second nature to me....I kind of consider it my super power! Having my hand in several different projects, moving and speaking quickly, arriving everywhere right on time, with not a moment to spare and walking through the door like a hurricane is just my thing. The pressure to answer a text or email instantly keeps me glued to my devices. I can fill my day end to end and find satisfaction is gettting many things done! 

 This is how I"ve functioned for many years, but the season of life I am now in doesn't require all that rush. With my time more free I've learned there is much value in calmness and preparedness.

God's Word has a familiar verse that says..."No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." This verse is often misinterpreted as "God won't give you more than you can handle".  But the biblical context is temptation and we are all tempted. Temptations is not a sin, it is a thought that begins in the mind. What we do with that thought determines where it will lead. God in His Word tells us that when temptation comes, He will provide a way of escape, or a path to a better choice.  But...we must be ready to hear and explore that direction.

A pause at a crucial time can save us from many unwise choices. When I fill my life up, hopping from one activity to another, I lose the value of the pause. Many things may get done, but how much more meaningful they could be if a pause was added. Instead of being focused on promptly answering a text or email, what if a pause was inserted to consider the context and evaluate the best answer. 

Physically there is great benefit to a pause. Asking "am I really hungry or aimlessly eating?" forces a true evaluation and probably better food choices. Do I 'feel' like exercising - instead of the quick answer NO - pause to reflect what if I did it for just 5 minutes? 

Spiritual pauses are truly good for the soul. Reading Scripture is great, but taking a pause or slowing down to let the words come from the page and enter the heart are what will bring change, peace and hope. 

Embrace the Pause - listen instead of leaping. Making every moment count can keep us from distraction and often a little bit of trouble! 
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