I’m in a pause. And no, not THAT pause with a capital M. Not even close.
I’m midstream in a sacred pause.
When something seemingly larger than life happens, our first instinct is always to run. To flee. To get busy. And that usually works wonderfully well for a short time. To those of us who are pros at “busyness”, it may work for even longer.
But many of us, with some hard-earned wisdom, know that you can only run on that treadmill for so long.
Life change comes along for a reason. Be it a birth, a death, a marriage, a divorce–our hand is there, helping it to happen, but so is a divine hand. I am in the midst of just such a life change and I feel that divine hand playing a part. I’ve truly been living in the grace of God. In the midst of the muck, I feel loved. Strong. Hopeful.
And so, instead of rushing headlong into the next chapter, I pause.
In this sacred space, I look to the lessons I am to take from this situation. Many of them I’ve gleaned already over the past several years. Most were not easy. I’ve truly earned the peace that comes from facing hard truths head-on. But I want to be sure I’ve reaped the knowledge I’m supposed to now. You see, I believe God doesn’t send lessons haphazardly. If these particular truths have been sent my way by the universe, then there is a purpose to them. And far be it from me to question timing or relevance.
So I pause to be thankful. Yes, even for the muck. And I pause to gather my wits about me, take what I now know and apply it to the next chapter. A respectful silence in which I cease talking and just listen is more than just divine. It’s sacred. Had I taken one years ago, perhaps the muck would not have gotten so deep.
Here’s to a lightness of spirit. Here’s to an earnest reflection on the journey we each take into and out of this world. Here’s to making space for the sacred in an ever so brief, but essential, pause today. I’m here. Now. And thankful.
candidkay 
Beautifully said and felt in my heart as well. Be strong.
The past 7 years I have been in and out of muck, but I just looked at it as life and as said above God never gives you more then you can handle. Now with the death of my spouse from years of illness I have decided I must pause before I make any decision for my future. It need to be sure not just jump as my mind at first told me I had to do this and that. No I don’t I can stop and wait before the next chapter of my life must begin. Thank you for confirming this thought in my mind and heart.
I’m sorry to hear about your sorrow, Sharon. Pausing takes strength–and it sounds like you’ve got that in spades . . . I wish you well on your journey.
I think harder than the pause is the ability to take full advantage of the moment…..
I truly believe that God does not give us more than we can handle. I don’t look at as a cross to bear as some would, but more as a test. Sometimes the silence might seem lonely, but I think it’s there to provide us with some much needed space to think and reflect. Remember, the teacher is always silent during the test…
Love “the teachers is always silent during the test.” I’ve not heard that before.
I just read both of your articles & you are a gifted writer & person. I loved them both & you do inspire me. I am so lucky to have you as one of my sisters. Sop blessed to have 5 beautiful women in my life.
Pause yes, and breathe…you are on your way.
What a good lesson for us all as I also am in the midst of “sacred” chaos.Thank you.I call my pause time becoming the observer of my own inner experience to grow more in love and not react to the fear.
You are stronger than you realize and stronger than you probably ever believed you can be. As one of my favorite bloggers would say ‘Carry on, warrior’ and I will hold space for you in my heart during this time.
Hi, this is a comment.
To delete a comment, just log in, and view the posts’ comments, there you will have the option to edit or delete them.