Someone has said that humans are the only creatures who run faster when they are lost. Rushing through life not only zaps our physical, emotional, and spiritual strength, it nudges us off course. Pauses ground us and help us evaluate our direction. Otherwise, like a rat on a wheel, we wear ourselves out going nowhere or worse, arrive miles away from our desired destination.

You may be thinking, “I don’t have time to pause! My life is too busy.”

Pauses are needed most in busy times. We don’t usually rest from “resting!” Consider the following:

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it, (Isaiah 30:15, NIV).

How do we make rest and quietness a part of our schedules? In the car, try turning off the radio and your phone for part of your drive. Savor the quiet and connect with God. Thank Him for the beauty of the season, the opportunities before you, your friends and family. Lift up those He brings to mind. Sing praise songs. At the end of the day, cast what didn’t get done on Him. Thank Him for His faithfulness.

Keep a good book or audio book in the car. When you are stuck waiting at train crossings, carpool lines, or for an appointment, you won’t feel so frustrated. The delay becomes a treat.

Sit on a porch or take walks with your spouse, friend, child, or alone. Notice your surroundings. Appreciate the dark flat leaves of a magnolia and the lacy lime fronds of a fern. Listen to bird trills in the morning and deep bull frog croaks in the evening. Breath in the honeysuckle, jasmine, pine, or whatever perfumes your area. Breath out the stress. Smile.

Some tips from others:

On Doing Less and Enjoying it More, Janis posted this great response for times you sense God doesn’t want you to commit: I would love to say, “yes”, but I need to say “no,”

A woman who runs several social media groups stopped internet at her home. She takes her laptop to the library to write, email and work. When she is at home, she is all there.

A realtor told me that she turns off her cell phone at suppertime. She keeps it off the rest of the night five days a week.

Many families limit television and computer games.

A couple told their friends and family that they were turning off all electronics for 24 hours every weekend. No email, texting, tweets—no interruptions. If an emergency arises, someone has to contact them the old fashioned way; drop by.

These families are enjoying the benefits these breaks provide. In the above verse, Israel “would have none of it” and paid a high price. God has not only given us permission to rest, He has shared the secret to strength and liberation. May we listen.

Blessings,