Pause

I have spent a lot of time over the past few days, reflecting on 2021. Life happens with a certain degree of uncertainty, during any given year, but i feel this has been more pronounced during the pandemic. The pandemic continues: it continues to be something not completely known or understood: it continues to divide our society; mask or no mask; vaccination or no vaccination; what is the best way to keep everyone in society safe, while allowing our economy to keep going: it continues to test my faith; my faith in myself, friends, family, loved ones.
One of my dearest friends shared that she no longer makes new years resolutions. Instead she chooses a word to apply in her life throughout the year. After a year where i have felt completely out of control of every aspect of my life, i have chosen my word…PAUSE.

I hope to:

Pause: and find time each week to be still in prayer and devotions. There is thankfulness to be found in each day and pausing to recognize that and pray brings peace.

Pause: decisions in life rarely need to be made immediately. it is ok to pause, pray, listen to my gut, and then decide.

Pause: unplug, and play the piano, blog, work on a puzzle, whatever will keep me grounded and peaceful.

Pause: before reacting. Is this a moment that needs a reaction or response from me. I believe that my inner peace has more importance in my life then reacting or responding to every little thing….this ive come to realize has stolen a lot of my emotional energy this past year.

Pause: and know it is ok to ask for help. it is ok to expect and be worthy of respect.

Today I am thankful for a year of God’s continued Grace and unconditional love. And so I end with a prayer for a new year:

Dear Lord, you have continued to be present each day in my life. Even on days when I wasnt centered on you, you were there with me in love and grace. Thank you Lord for the blessings of the past year, my children, my friends, my family, guidance and answers for my health concerns. Be with me Lord as a new year begins that I may allow myself grace in working each day to remember to pause. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.