Not everyone can relate or appreciate older technology, but at one time in recent history, the VCR was a major breakthrough. (If you're young, stop and Google it. I can wait…) Somewhere in the early 90s, we purchased our first VCR. No longer did we have to miss programs while we were out and about—we could record it, then watch it later. No longer would we have to sit in the living room at a specific time to catch a favorite show while it was being broadcast. We could record it, then watch it later; if we wanted to, we could watch it over and over and over again.
My favorite thing about the VCR was the pause button. While watching a show, you could hit the pause button and it would freeze time in the exact spot where you hit the button. Miraculous. No longer could a distraction ruin a cinematic moment—just hit pause. It was brilliant. Bathroom break—hit pause. Snack time—hit pause. Wife has a question about the plot line even though she was not really paying attention; annoying, yes, but still—hit pause, all fixed, never miss a moment again.
I forget about the pause button when it comes to life, though. I often run from one thing to the next, never taking a moment to pause. Maybe for you, the weeks leading up to Christmas seem like an all-out sprint; your time is in high demand and busyness seems to steal away your relationships and energy. Maybe you face distractions that are taking a toll on you, your family, or even your faith. If the cadence or pace of life’s demands are keeping you from thriving, like they have for me at times, you might be overdue to hit pause.
My wife and I have a small sunroom in our home; it is simple in design with four walls, some windows, a sliding glass door, and a small fireplace. Most days, my feet do not even make contact with the carpet in there. The distractions or busyness
Yet there are times when I make a conscious effort and hit pause. When I am intentional, I begin my day by spending time with God—reading, reflecting, praying. I’ll make my favorite coffee and enjoy a whole pot, side by side with my wife, Pam. The sunlight begins to creep in through the east windows and shimmers on the walls, refracted through the crystals hanging from our window. I think the same thing begins to happen to my soul. Typically, our two fluffy Australian shepherds are curled up on the footstool between our cozy chairs and the fireplace as if this is their favorite moment of the day, too. My prayer time is more relational, and so is the quality time that Pam and I need as a couple. I become more grateful, patient, and present. The power is not in the room
Imagine how much our relationships would improve if we took advantage of a few more pauses each week. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of a King, Jesus. Pause. Reflect. Savor your time with Him and with family or friends.
