Cause to Pause

Life can be so hectic. How do we press pause? Resetting can seem impossible, something that there isn’t any time for. Cancer forced a hard stop in my life, and now as I recover life has a much slower pace. Then this week I got my next covid booster. When I showed up at the clinic I saw a sign for the shingles vaccine which was also on my “to do” list.

I asked, “Hey can I get both today?” The nurse replied, “Sure, you just need to use opposite sides of your body.” Well I’d just decided with my physical therapist to avoid getting a shot in my healing left arm (from radiation) but I had shorts on. You guessed it, now I have covid leg and shingles arm, and a super upset stomach… It really seemed like a good idea at the time 🤦‍♀️ and hopefully will be helpful at some point! 

Corinthians 4:16 came at just the right time today, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Oh boy, do I need that renewal! This evening it came in the form of gathering flowers for a vase on the table while I had some energy. The up close touching of God’s creation always fills me with wonder. I also dragged my covid leg on a short walk. Duke sat contentedly in my arms most of the way. His soft fur is so calming. We noticed the berry blossoms promising sweet fruit this summer and burgeoning apples bringing hope of apple pie and crisp munching to come.

My first response when met with something frustrating isn’t to pause. I’m a work in progress for sure. Quick reactions happen when I’m hurting, or hectic, or I don’t know the full story. I was reminded of this as I waited in my doctor’s office for a check up. The other occupant of the waiting room was on the phone, speaking loudly. I felt annoyance. Then I couldn’t help but overhear her conversation. Her mom is terminally ill and she is working with hospice to care for her mother. She’s overwhelmed and was looking for support from the other person on the line. Annoyance turned into compassion. I started praying silently for God to strengthen her, renew her & meet her needs.

I really like the AA acronym HALT. It stands for stop, don’t make decisions when you’re Hungry (Hangry), Angry, Lonely or Tired. Such great advice that can be implemented if we’ll pause- take a deep breath (or 10)- do something life giving that can change our perspective.

Joy can bubble up from the renewal we’ll receive from the Spirit during the space created inside by the pause, even if outwardly we’re hurting. Hopefully we’ll see or hear something new. Taking time to “contemplate the Lord’s glory” can mean we’ll “be transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor 3:18. Really? Just wow. I’m not sure I totally understand how I’m being changed and get to experience God’s glory, but I want that mystery to happen in me. For sure that’s a cause to pause and see what the Spirit does.