I woke up with a headache this morning. I noticed that I was feeling extra tired, but I shrugged it off as nothing. I rose, began my morning routine, and it wasn’t until a couple of hours later that I suddenly thought, “I think I have a fever.” I went and checked, and I did.
I sat down shortly after and was pondering how interesting it was that I didn’t realize I was feeling sick. I came up with excuses instead and kept trying to move forward. Then, the Lord began to show me some things…
He began to show me that many people don’t know how they truly feel because they have forsaken quiet. Instead, they simply wake up and push through each day as if nothing is wrong.
The building could be on fire, so to speak, yet they simply move ahead with the daily plan…never taking a moment to inventory how they really feel. Never considering that they might need some adjustments in their heart, mind, and soul.
So many of us live life strictly on autopilot. We live life as if it’s a factory. We go through the same routine, day after day, whether it makes sense or not. Even if it’s unhealthy or dysfunctional…some people are so afraid of change that they simply live dysfunctional lives forever.
What a horrible way to spend this life.
The only way to know how you truly feel, is to stop for a moment. Develop the skill of pausing.
For years, I lived life through an immediate response. Then I learned to pause. Now when something happens, I will take a step back before I make a decision. I take a step back before I get angry, except for the times when I slip up…nobody’s perfect. I take a step back when my kids want to discuss something. they don’t need a quick answer, they need a thoughtful answer.
Practicing the pause can revolutionize your life.
In a fast-paced world, where busyness is king…the pause is like a superpower. It doesn’t take much to bring yourself into alignment with God this way. When I step back, I step into Him. I ask for His eyes, so I can see the situation more clearly. I ask for His heart, so I can move in compassion. I ask for His ears, so I can hear what’s really going on.
I encourage you to begin practicing the pause today. It will change your life.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
365 Days in the Presence 