Matthew 11:28-30 NIV — Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Life is so busy. We, as a society, stay in constant motion. Last year God gave me the word “relish” as my word of the year. Last year my son graduated from high school, my first grandchild was born, and my daughter began driving herself to school. I relished the moment as my son took his last swing at home plate and my daughter served the final serve for her 2023 volleyball season. The year brought many ups and downs and God gave me strength and courage each step of the way.

As I prayed for insight from God about my word for 2024 He told me to pause. While I have learned to relish moments, I need to jump off the merry-go-round pace of life more often and sit quietly at the feet of Jesus. When studying, I ran across the acronym P.R.A.Y. = pause, reflect, ask, yield. Let’s all use this acronym as a catalyst for spiritual growth during times God leads us to pause.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for leading me to pause. Help me to remember to P.R.A.Y. In Jesus’ name, Amen.