Pressing Pause

Intentionally “pausing” in a world buzzing with to dos and chirping with notifications, often looks like enjoying a sunset for me. Big surprise, I know. I feel closest to the Lord when I run around in His magnificent presence staring in awe at His sky. Slowing down and turning off my constant need ‘to make’ and ‘to do,’ enables me to turn on my other senses and heighten my connection to what’s right in front of me.

Prioritizing presence has become critical to increasing my contentment and just really appreciating where I’m at and appreciating the Lord’s beauty and faithfulness. Especially in seasons where I feel extra overwhelmed or don’t quite understand what He’s up to.

So I’ve been watching lots of sunsets and journaling and reading under His skies lit on fire. It’s helped me take a step outside myself to remember honestly, that my life is not even about me at all, but rather how I can illuminate for others the grace of the Lord… I could only hope to be a mere vessel.

Pressing ‘pause’ and watching the sunset most every evening, also encourages me to be fully grounded in the moment and shift my focus. The transition season at the end of the year always overwhelms me. Did I do enough this year/ make others proud/ make myself proud? Did I check all the boxes, grow my talents? I am plagued with comparison, feelings of inadequacy and am left feeling disappointed with myself. The start of the year, characterized by intention setting and a spirit of go getting, can also be really hard. Trying to ‘make up’ for not ‘making the mark’ this past year.

Goals are important to grow yourself yes, and become more like the Lord. But what goals should not be, are a reason to let yourself be defined by what you do and what you accomplish. With 2023 coming up, I’ve been reminded my identity is not placed in what i’ve achieved or could ever achieve. Being excited about life and wanting to live a more holy walk on this planet is a gift. But I must not let the magic of that gift be taken. I must focus on presence and root myself deeply in Him.

Hope you were able to get a small encouragement from that long ramble. You’re perfect in His eyes and are not defined by what you do.