Life's Pauses

 


Don't you hate it when life doesn't go as planned? When things come up that force you into a pause? I know they say it's good to stop and pause, to reset and recalibrate, but I only like to do that on my terms, not when life chooses for me. Those unexpected challenges that pop up in life and throw your plans out of whack, they're just annoying! 

I'm not sad to see this month move on. We've had a few unexpected challenges pop up recently, some mild and some a little more intense. These challenges have put a crimp in our plans. They're messing with our mojo. They're throwing off our groove. And we aren't happy about it! We are in a pause period and to be honest, we are ready to move on. Pausing isn't really one of our strengths as a couple. We are doers and goers!

We've been here many times before. My Book of Quotes is filled with phrases focusing on overcoming challenges, looking for the good in every situation, making the best of the pause moments, and trusting in God's timing. One quote that always rings true is "Plans are things that change" - Fujio Cho. It's the theme of our lives right now!

I also have a collection of scripture verses that I can turn to during this time. Here are a few I usually lean on:

Isaiah 41:13 - For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Proverbs 16:9 - A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Jeremiah 29:11-12 - For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Sometimes I find these words useful, and other times I feel guilty for being annoyed in the first place. There's a gamut of emotions that I experience during these times: anger, impatience, fear, anxiety, and disappointment to name a few. I have to remind myself that I should expect emotions during the challenging times and it's okay for me to experience all the emotions that come. It's part of the growing process that comes in times like these.

I'm pretty good at looking for the positives in the situation in the beginning, but the longer the challenges hang around the easier it is to let the negative thoughts seep in. I'm learning to recognize these thoughts and put into play my coping mechanisms: exercise, prayer, counting my blessings, creating new experiences, and chocolate (the good stuff, not the cheap stuff)! Life is always better with chocolate.

I'm going to focus on not beating myself up. I can do what I can do and that's enough. 

I'm going to focus on nurturing relationships. I can pour some extra love on those around me.

I'm going to take care of myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I can't help others if I'm not well myself.

Eventually, I will come around and see ways to move forward. This usually leads me to trusting in God's timing instead of fighting it. To seeing the big picture instead of focusing on this one moment of discontent. God will help me see where the path is leading, and I will look back on this time and see the blessings of living through it. 

I'm not there yet. I'm still struggling. I'm working my way through the pause one day at a time. I'm learning to be more open to changes in our plans. I'm leaning on my faith with the hope that God's plan will make sense one day. And I'm looking forward to the peace that will come when it does.


 

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