Life’s Unexpected Pauses

In the midst of life’s busyness, abrupt unexpected pauses come crashing in. Those unwanted, unexpected and usually unfortunate pauses bring everything to a halt.

It’s in these times – when the flu bug puts you to bed for a week, when you break a rib while enjoying a ski trip, when you lose your job and bills are still due, when you get the call to the hospital bed of a critical loved one, and when the final goodbye has to be said to one whose time here is complete – these are the times when life instantly is set on “pause”.

Here in the midst of these, life seems to just stop.

Just minutes before, our calendars were full, plans made and life was in constant movement. It’s in these times I find myself realizing that none of those calendars and plans really matter; everything is expendable and ultimately unimportant. For what we thought HAD to be done when it comes down to it CAN be skipped. Not much really matters in the face of these times.

Priorities are often not set by what our heart and emotions dictate but by the small busy details that can often be swept under the carpet when the BIG pauses come to visit.

 So, what really does matter?

From the flu to the loss of a loved one, these pauses cause us to STOP. It’s during these times of stopping the busy activity that we sit back (once we process the “in your face” reality) and look up to the only place our healing and strength comes from. What really is important is walking through this unexpected pause knowing we are loved and not alone – the love of Christ begins to lift the confused emotions that ride along on these journeys – as we focus our eyes upward.

There are none of these pauses that make sense –  but if our mind, heart and eyes make a decision to REST in HIS presence we will find that which matters most. His peace and love will wash over us and we will make it through this journey and out the other side with a new and stronger understanding of how much we are loved.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 

An Unexpected Interruption

     I woke up early this morning with plans to get yard work accomplished before the heat of the day moved in but my morning plans were interrupted by an unexpected visit of three of Gods amazing creatures.

     My love and passion for nature often finds me mesmerized by the tiniest flowers that perch on top of weeds, intricate lacy spider webs and the individual trill that each bird makes; as well as the multitude of other beauties I come across. So it isn’t new for me to be aware of the beauty I find in unexpected places. However, this morning I was stunned and found myself literally holding my breath in awe as I watched the most delicate ballet erupt over my flowers.

     First one gorgeous yellow and black butterfly moved in hovering over the flowers and then the dance began. A second and then a third joined in but not just random enjoyment of their floral feast but connecting one to another. Soon they swirled around like synchronized swimmers – looping, diving, and softly fluttering. I could swear I heard music, as I stood totally amazed and engrossed in what I was being allowed to witness.

     I lost track of time as they continued oblivious of my presence. The obvious joy that this dance provided to them was contagious to watch and joy began to stir deep in my spirit as they presented this stunning ballet to their audience of one.

     But soon, as if on cue the dance was over and each butterfly flew off to different flowers leaving me with a sense of profound amazement, honored to have witnessed this intimate dance.

     The morning plans now weren’t important for God’s plan to pour out an unexpected blessing took me to a place of joy unspeakable.

     I began to contemplate what God’s “deep meaning” must be for what I witnessed and experienced today. Then as if in answer to my question laughter began to bubble up inside of me – there was no “deep meaning” it was His simple gift of love – especially for me. WOW – now that truly is a “deep meaning”!

     My day was filled with unimaginable joy because I took the time to stop what I thought needed to be done and participate in what He allowed to float into my day. My friend – don’t miss God’s unexpected interruptions of love by allowing your “to do” list to distract you from the blessings He has planned for you today.

Photo courtesy of : J.K.Sanchez Photography