Isaiah 26:12 NIV — Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Sometimes a forced pause is just what we need. A couple days after Christmas my family all became sick with the flu. For the first couple days I stood strong, running around from person to person to be sure they were cared for properly. Then, out of the blue, the flu hit me too. For the next three days I rarely left my bed. The first day, when my fever was the highest, I mostly slept off and on. The following two days I spent time watching lots of TV, napping, and sipping hot tea. While being sick was not what I wished for, I have to admit being forced to pause proved to have its rewards. I was able to relax without feeling guilty.

Being sick also gave me plenty of time to pray and ask God for discernment about His plans for 2024. God reminded me how important it is to take time to pause so that I am able to give my best to my family and my work. Planned pauses are always easier than forced pauses, but may each of us also appreciate the value of those moments when we are forced to slow down and pause.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for showing me the value of forced pauses. Show me pockets of time each day to take time and pause with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.