Navigating Unexpected Pauses

Two years ago, unexpected pauses swept over me like a storm. Initially, I was okay, but after months of relentless struggles, I found myself trapped and anxious.

It all began during the pandemic. When the world took a collective pause, our plans to reopen our cafe took a pause, too. The doors we had once opened with anticipation were now closed, not by choice but by necessity. The closure came with a heavy price tag, and we had business debts to settle. Our event business, which had thrived on bringing people together, was suddenly halted due to lockdown restrictions. As a business owner, financial worries weighed heavily on my shoulders – it felt almost unbearable!

And just when I thought things couldn't get crazier, another unexpected pause struck. My husband fell ill and was bedridden for four months. For me, it felt like my life had taken an abrupt detour. I was disoriented - paralyzed by the thought, that I was left alone to figure out how to navigate this maze of uncertainty.

I was scared, and the reason for that fear ran deep. You see, ever since my husband and I got engaged, we did everything together. We built the business as a team, homeschooled our kids side by side, faced life's problems, and found solutions together. We were partners; we were the 'dynamic duo.'

Because I thought I was alone, worries began to surface. I had questions, like how could I keep our businesses afloat? Should I look for a job as a 'get by' solution? Is my husband going to recover? These thoughts swirled in my mind and clouded my ability to see God's grace in the situation. 

But as I journeyed through those daunting days, I found solace in unexpected places. Friends who prayed with me and had my back became my lifeline. They are a powerful reminder that God works through people when we are in our most trying moments. So, I realized - I was not ALONE after all!

God's word became my source of relief and guidance. I turned to it and found verses that gave me the strength to push through. In those moments, I learned firsthand the potent power of faith and how it can hold up a tired heart, like mine.

Yet, in trying to keep everything together, I missed a crucial element: caring for myself and giving myself a breather. I was so consumed by the needs of others and the demands of saving our businesses that I neglected my own needs. I didn’t realize that what I truly needed at that time was a moment to pause and breathe. A good heartfelt "sigh" that led to bursting of tears - turned out to be a game-changer!

In one of those pauses, I was able to find rest at the feet of Jesus. It was when I was reminded of Psalms 73:26 that my God was enough and that He was all I needed to get me through whatever mess I was into at that time. 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalms 73:26 (NIV)

So, I released all the burdens I had been carrying and allowed God to control my situation- 100%! Then, I felt the entire atmosphere of our house change. My inner turmoil was replaced with peace, and the weight on my shoulders began to lift.

Navigating unexpected pauses in life is challenging, but I have learned that when we pray and cast our cares to HIM, no matter how clouded our thoughts are - we can find clarity and hope when we dwell in His words and presence.

As I reflect on my journey, let me share my learnings for anyone grappling with their own unexpected pause:

1.   Lean on Your Support System: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends and loved ones. Their presence and prayers provide crucial support during difficult times.

2.  Nurture your Faith: Whether through prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts, nurturing your faith can give you the strength to keep you going. Remember, faith comes from hearing the word of God.

3.   Embrace Moments of Pause: Don't underestimate the power of slowing down. Rest, reflect, and regain clarity during life's chaos.

4.   Treat Yourself Right: Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. It's essential for your well-being and your ability to support others.

5.   Rest on God's Feet: When life becomes overwhelming, find comfort in surrendering your burdens to a higher power. It's a transformative act that can change the course of your journey - FOR THE BETTER!

To wrap it up, let me encourage you with these thoughts: Unexpected pauses may throw a wrench into your plans and can disrupt your life. But when a crisis hits us, it awakens our hearts and reveals where our true security comes from. So, when trouble comes - let us allow God to be God. Trust in Him, and tackle the journey in faith. God promised to travel the road with us - no matter how rough it is.

Declare Psalms 46:1 (ESV) in your situation: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble".

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Here are five journaling prompts for you to ponder and explore your experiences and insights related to unexpected pauses in your life.

1.   Reflecting on Unexpected Pauses: Share a personal experience when unexpected pauses or challenges disrupted your life's rhythm. How did you initially respond, and what emotions did you experience? Reflect on the lessons you learned from navigating through that pause.

2.   Support System Exploration: Think about the friends or loved ones who have been your pillars of strength during difficult times. Describe how their support made a difference in your journey. What qualities do you value most in your support system?

3.   Moments of Spiritual Resilience: Have there been moments when faith or spiritual practices helped you find solace and strength during adversity? Share a specific experience and the verses or teachings that provided guidance and comfort.

4.   Self-Care and Well-Being: Reflect on your well-being. How do you prioritize self-care, especially when faced with unexpected challenges? What self-care practices have you found most effective in maintaining your sanity?

5.   Embracing Moments of Stillness: Explore your relationship with stillness and moments of pause in your daily life. Do you consciously create time for reflection and rest? How can you incorporate more moments of pause into your routine to foster clarity and resilience?

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