It seems cliche but I want to give my two-cents on “pressing pause.” I’m not a professional counselor. I haven’t studied this topic much. I know pressing pause during stressful times is one of the most valuable life skills that any one of us can develop. Pressing pause is one of the roots of the Sabbath day. It is one of my favorite things to do while watching modern television so that I don’t miss anything.
My sermon this morning – “Stress Less” – at it’s heart invites people to press pause from their everyday lives and spend a few moments in the moment. Philippians 4:4-9 (you can go search Paul’s words there) is all about not being anxious and finding joy in the moment. I can’t imagine what the conditions were like for Paul in the Roman prison. Yet, he found the energy to write some of the most life-changing words in our lifetime. Find joy in every moment. Rejoice in the presence of Christ. Don’t be anxious. Give thanks.
One of my favorite writers, Brene Brown is quoted as saying something like – and I’m paraphrasing here – the best way to know joy is to practice gratitude. When we practice gratitude, we build resilience and find all that we need to embrace our best lives.
Even if you’re stressed today, what are you thankful for? Press pause for a few moments. Catch your breath. Notice 1 or 2 things around you that you are grateful for. Those things should put a smile on your face for even just a moment. And next time, you need to press pause, it will be a little easier to do – knowing that joy is right around the corner waiting for you to embrace her.
Facing the Storm with Faith 