Pause button!

There have been many times that I have longed for a pause button. A way to stop, take a moment, breath, have a break from the craziness of life…so that kind of happened this week.

Last week Saturday I noticed a strange achiness in my joints…weird. Even though, those around me were hacking up a lung and spewing lots of germs in the air with each “achoo”. I don’t get sick, it’s in the contract. There isn’t time for it, and I really don’t get sick.

But I did!! I double checked the contract. Yep! No sick days!!

Some of the things that I have learned from this week long “pause” button:

Not everything gets the memo, life still happens and there really isn’t a “pause” button.

I love my life and I miss being able to participate fully, my view from the couch makes me sad on so many levels. Like yesterday, when Will who is 4 said, “Mom, it is sunny out, I think you should go exercise, you would feel sooooooo much better!”

I have a lot to be grateful for. It was only a week ago that I began to count the gifts in my life, I think God’s timing is always perfect and I know with certainty that He knew I would start counting the week I would be “pausing”.

Psalm 46:10

 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I have tried to be available and listen to what God wants me to hear in this “pause” time.

I have been too blasé about my health. Not nearly grateful enough for the days when I can do all that is before me to do. I think that I spend too much time fretting over all that I have to do and miss the joy in just having the ability to do the next right thing.

I’ve also learned that as the days come, don’t wish them away or want a “pause” button. Receive them from the creator of my days!

My view from the couch has given me a new perspective on that, who knew. When God gives me a day I need to receive that as a gift and enjoy all the pieces and parts of that day. Fully present in each moment, ready to hear and see what God is trying to show me through my days.

It reminds me of hymn I remember singing,

Day by day, and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,

Gives unto each day what He deems best,

Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me,

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counsellor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made

Help me then, in every tribulation,

So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,

Offered me within Thy holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E'er to take, as from a father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land.

I love that line that says, “one by one, the days the moments fleeting”

…they are passing by and I want to live in such a way that shows my utter dependence upon “my Father’s wise bestowment.”

So that’s my prayer this morning from my “new perch”. I do not know how long I will remain here, but I will find joy in these days, for they are fleeting.