Peace comes from pausing

The Seven Sacred Pauses bring a peace that passes all understanding.

If you just joined me here, take a moment to look back on the past posts to know what i’m talking about as we discuss my journey this month through Seven Sacred Pauses.

I have not hit all seven pauses in any of these last 5 days but I have paused enough and intentionally turned my heart to God enough, in the last few days, to know that peace comes from pausing.

PEACE
defined as: freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.
In other words: calm, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quiet, quietness.

Do you get the miracle of this peace? It is the first week of school, the first week of the month, busiest week at work, the first week of middle school volleyball, the first week back to swim team, and our dog brought fleas home from the beach. This week is not set up to be peaceful. It is set up to be tumultuous, distracting, busy, bustling, stressful and annoying. But yet there is peace. It’s because of the PAUSES, I’m certain.

The First Bell: Matins/Vigils: The Night Watch **** Midnight, 12 AM

The Second Bell: The Awakening Hour **** Dawn, 6 AM
I love my morning routine. Often I’m up before the bell rings. This is my favorite pause of the day!! I arise, turn my heart to God, set my mind on His word, let the dogs out, start the coffee (just got a new coffee pot by the way), feed the dogs, grab my coffee, sit on the couch and PAUSE.

This is a time to remember God’s goodness and begin the day in glory. You set the clock of your heart for dawn’s arrival. Taste the joy of being awake. God chose to give you breath today. REJOICE!

Read Psalms 19, 95 or 147.

Pray: This day is ALL Yours Jesus. Let my life be a living praise!

Focus on praise and resurrection, joy and delight.

The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you; don’t go back to sleep. ~Jalaluddin Rumi

This is my LONGEST PAUSE and my most favorite. When the sun has risen, I shower and hit the road running, assured that peace will follow me and confident that the next bell will ring.

PEACE!