I am grateful for technology.
Sure, this wired world of ours has some drawbacks– the temptation to be constantly distracted, being “not present,” or additional frustration when the technology we are relying on fails us. But overall, technology is primarily a blessing.
Especially since a lot of my ministry is online. And because I have a toddler.
Being a work-at-home-mom is a challenge. I am so thankful that I have flexibility to do God’s work mostly in our home, but the pull of parenting/all-the-other-Jesusy-things causes me to constantly question my priorities.
My daughter has recently started enjoying television. While she is far from a “screen” baby, I won’t lie to you– I am relieved that she will remain focused on something other than me for a few minutes every now and then.
Like right now. She is learning all about writing letters and shapes with Daniel Tiger while I pound out this post pre-naptime.
Within this world of Toddler Technology, I am especially grateful for the pause button.
Now we don’t miss a beat when we need to pause for a Terrible-Twos meltdown or to go outside to play, squeeze in a run or fuel up with lunch.
I appreciate the pause button.
But wouldn’t you know…”PAUSE” didn’t originate as a technological idea.
I think God came up with it first.
Recently, I was pondering my OneWord for 2015: Rest. As I “rested’ in my word, pulling back from the world, grasping for peace that is so seemingly elusive in my life, God placed the following on my heart:
P.E.A.C.E: Pause Expectantly at The Cross Everyday.
The perfect acrostic to keep me centered.
Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as pushing the pause button on our TV or (are you ready for this?) utilizing the voice feature on our XBox Kinect and simply yelling across the room “XBOX PAUSE!”
In order to authentically fulfill this call to pause expectantly at the cross everyday, we must be intentional.
The world will not let pausing “automatically” happen. In fact, it will probably work against it.
Let’s break it down…
Pause: For me, I must intentionally break from the rush of this world, take a breath and just BE for a moment– in my body, mind AND spirit. Just like we do with our Xbox. “SHARITA, PAUSE.”
Expectantly: When we pause, we must do so with expectation. God might not always part the clouds and give us the revelation of a lifetime. But HE WILL do work in our souls, be it a momentary recharge, some quick encouragement or simply the strength to press forward with whatever He is calling us to do.
At: We can float aimlessly in this world (which is pretty easy) or we can hone our focus to bring ALL our everythings to a place AT the foot of the cross.
The Cross: I envision a large cross wherever I am, and I see myself kneeling at it. Some days I want to hug it. Other days I want to weep. Or I might even just want to praise God for The Cross. Because on The Cross is our entire foundation for Life in the Here and Now AND in the Later.
Everyday: As with any discipline, pausing expectantly is a practice we must do repeatedly– not just once a week on Sundays or whenever we are about to lose our cool with our toddler… But daily. Perhaps it is during morning quiet time. Or in the bathtub (one of my favorites.) Or before bed. Or driving to work. Just taking a moment to revel in what the God of the Universe, the Creator of Heaven of Earth has already done for us on The Cross.
When we pause expectantly at the cross everyday, we experience PEACE. True Peace. Through His Grace. Blood. Love.
Which portion of our PEACE-seeking quest speaks to you most? Challenges you most? What does pausing for P.E.A.C.E look like in your life? Join the conversation and leave a comment.
Friends, I challenge you to find new ways to press pause. When we pause, we can rest in His Peace.
Be courageous. Press Pause. Pursue PEACE.
Pausing for Him,
“God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.” ~Isaiah 40:29-30 MSG
Linking up today with Kelly, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, Jen over at Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, and Hazel via Tell Me a Story. Be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
