How do we navigate life’s curve balls?
I would like to propose that we – PAUSE
P – pray.
Communicate with God and to God. Talk to Him. Let it all out. Take a minute or two or three to sit in silence. We live in a rushed world where everything is hurried. If we are not careful, we will lose balance and lose ourselves in the noise. What if we all purposed to create moments of silence in our daily spaces? Moments of just sitting still and communing with God in prayer. I exhort you and I to try that and as the Bible assures us, the peace of God will envelop us. I have learnt over the years that prayer doesn’t only have to happen in confined spaces like the house. Anytime and any space is prayer time!
A – affirm yourself and those around you.
No one adequately prepares for life’s curve balls. It could be a major illness, life-changing surgery, loss of financial freedom, a rift in a relationship or loss of a loved one. All these challenges throw one into a quagmire and are blows to one’s peace and comfort. I would like to encourage us to pause and affirm one another when these moments besiege us, it is life and there is no telling when a tragedy might befall one. May the promises of God, who He is and what He says in His Word be where we draw our affirmations from.
U – unpack.
No man is an island. Two are indeed better than one. We are by nature social beings. At times we get so busy that we isolate our loved ones which causes strain to relationships and friendships built over years. As we pause, let us reflect on how we can have social “unpack” moments with our loved ones. Emotions well up on the inside of us and if buried in our hearts, they will eat us up on the inside. Communication is therapeutic whilst bottling up emotions is detrimental to one’s health. Unpacking to loved one’s is a healthy way of pausing, let us try it.
S – sing.
Yes, you heard that right, sing unto the Lord. Making melodies to the Lord, heals and soothes a broken and contrite spirit. You might think that you croak more than sing, ha ha, that is still perfectly fine. The Maker sees our hearts and as we intentionally praise and worship Him, we connect with Him in ways that we would have never imagined. It is never about whether we feel like singing at that particular time but it is about seeking a meaningful connection with God. Feeling like you are in the doldrums…create an atmosphere of worship and see what the Lord will do for you and in you.
E – exhale.
How does one exhale when pressures are piling up, bills need to be paid, family and work demands? We can exhale by being kinder to ourselves for the small wins. I enjoy writing down small goals for the day, a night or two nights in advance. Working purposefully and achieving those small goals is a little win which deserves to be celebrated. I get satisfaction by crossing out what I have done and realigning where I need to. These little moments of small wins are exhaling moments. Give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it.
So as you go about your daily business and navigate life’s challenges, remember to PAUSE. The storm won’t last forever so do not lose yourself in it.
