Connecting in the Pause of Life

 

Listen slowly, Slow down. I like to get up early to stillness. Breath is a major theme with Jesus. Let it go. An acceptance that I’m loved.  Listen. let go and live loved. You are loved.  Safe, secure and be connected to him. Eph 5:1 be imitators. Follow me. Then you will represent your Father and continue to walk. Accept your gift and be thankful for your gifts. Confident. I am who I am called and surrender. Continue to walk surrendered to the love of God. Knowing who I am by the grace of God. Judah Smith

These are my notes from a Bible teaching by Judah Smith. I so needed this word. Connection, Breathe. Be loved. Listen. All of these are a part of my intentional creating a relationship with Jesus. Jesus paused. He was never hurried. Many of His miracles were on the way to somewhere else. I love His example that along the way is as important as the destiny. 

My live has improved so much with the deepening of my relationship. Getting up early to converse with Jesus and just be still is key. It grounds my steps throughout my day. Checking in has become a part of my path. Jenn shared a 3:00 pm check in. The past few weeks I have set my alarm and paused to pray for each person in my family. It only takes a couple minutes but intentionally lifting them up to the Lord connects me to Him and to them. 

Ron-health, Me-community, Cam-rest and time with Jesus, Britt-energy, Kenz-relationship, Kayla-confidence in driving, Tim- health, Millie-Jesus, Dorothy-nurturing spirit, Kyle-Jesus, Lissa-rest, healing relationships, Che’-healing,spirit, Caleb-rest, Mayve=health, Amalia-wisdom and direction, Tanner-rest and sobriety, Bethany- rest and healing, Natalie-confidence, Nate-energy, Felix- regulated behaviors, Auggie-independence.

Each day is a different focus for each of my family but I wanted to show you how brief it can be to pause and lift up those you love. Last night, Ronnie B and I talked to Tanner and some burdens he was carrying are lifting. God loves each one of my family so much more than I do. Yet, pausing to say a quick or some days not so quick prayer matters. It is not only for them but for me. It calms my anxiety, helps me know that I don’t need to fix everything, and shares my love for them with our Heavenly Father. 

Being intentional about connections will always grow relationships. I have been isolating way too much in the past fifteen years since losing my son. It is time for me to step out of my comfort zone and stay more connected to others. A simple yes to invitations is a part of that. Picking up the phone for a brief chat matters. Writing on a more regular basis is healing. So here is to 2025 and the renewing of life during the quiet times as well as the belly laughing joy of friendship and family.