One day, you’re shuffling along through the routine activities of your life on a seemingly normal direction when suddenly, a wild curve ball throws you off course into a series of events you NEVER saw coming. In seconds flat, you find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of circumstances leaving you wondering what on EARTH is happening.
Life’s surprises can catch us off guard and shake our balance, prodding us to ask, “What am I supposed to do with THIS?”
Most recent for me? Some unexplained, pesky symptoms finally found me sitting in an exam room across from a cardiologist. Amid an exhaustive line-up of scans, x-rays, blood work and an unexpected trip to the emergency room, a surprising discovery revealed itself:
Close calls make us live harder.
There’s nothing like a health crisis, or ANY unexpected “curve ball”, to cause us to examine our priorities, evaluate how we expend our energy, and to give our trivial worries new perspective. Perhaps we may even begin to listen a bit better . . . to hear a bit more.
Can you relate?
Seeking out how to process my most recent “curve ball”, I put myself at the foot of the throne and asked God for help. Unfortunately, I didn’t pause to hear God’s guidance. Instead, I began spouting off to God my ideas for possible, practical coping mechanisms. As I spewed forth several of my suggestions, I was stopped in my tracks at the sound of God’s whisper.
“Be still.”
And, after pausing to ensure He had my attention, God added an additional whisper to my spirit.
“And be quiet.”
A familiar scripture verse immediately flashed across my mind, declaring, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
My first response? “Hold on, let me overthink this!”
Was God just trying to remind me He’s in control of the events of my life? Well, partly. In His gentle way, God began showing me that through the quieting of my spirit comes clarity, and that being “still” and “quiet” is more a state of being rather than a literal action.
“Wisdom comes once we learn to become still…in the silence of the heart one learns the journey of the wise.” —Unknown
Speaking as one for whom the gas pedal has always been full ON, I was beginning to understand how valuable it is for us to slow down our thoughts, pause our reactions, sharpen our focus on what’s important, and to put effort into balancing our perspective.
You may have heard the phrase: Practice the Pause. “It simply means a learned skill, where you take a break, stop, or cease to react, speak or act.” (Google)
So, how do we cultivate “the pause” for ongoing deep and lasting peace? Here are a few ideas:
- UNPLUG. Turn off your computer, your television, your cell phone. Our outlets for stimulation and connection often lead to distraction, preventing us from being fully present in the moment. “The noise of the world makes you deaf to the voice of God.” — Pastor Peter Gowesky
- BEHOLD NATURE. I mean really behold nature. When was the last time you just sat outside, eyes closed with your face to the sun? Or listened to the chatter of birds? Do it!
- COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Be in awe of what God has done for you. Ponder how He has worked in your life to heal a hurting heart, to change your countenance, or to draw you back to Him.
- DO NOTHING. The Italians have it right. They have a phrase, “Dolce far Niente”, which means the sweetness of doing nothing. Not to be confused with being lazy, it is rather taking periodic pleasure in being idle . . . sipping coffee with friends, taking a moonlit stroll, watching the sunset. The Italians practice, protect, and embrace the ability to enjoy their moments. We should too.
- REST. Jesus says it best: “Come away with me to a quiet place and rest a while.” –Mark 6:31. It is impossible to slay our daily dragons, serve others with excellence, or put our best foot forward if we’re not fully charged. Don’t compromise or sacrifice the precious time you NEED to be the best you can be. “Rest is the secret weapon against the secret exhaustion in our soul.” – Anne Voskamp
God encourages us to practice pausing. To quiet our spirits, and yes, to even hush a bit while we’re at it. In doing so, we can be better equipped to give our “curve balls” some objective perspective and be able to better maintain peace . . . joy . . . and strength along our journey.
Take a brief moment throughout your day to pause, take a deep breath, clear your mind, and do a little something that brings you joy.
Your heart will thank you for it!
