RIP Green Olives

Yesterday I was rushing into the house with ALLLLL the grocery bags in my hands (you know what I mean), hoping to get them put away before my family got home so I could jump on the computer and get to some important emails. When suddenly, CRASH! A jar of green olives shattered onto the ground, sending into orbit a mixture of olives, olive juice, and glass all over our entryway.

Things like this usually send me off the deep end, but for some reason in that moment I PAUSED, took a deep breath, and actually said a short prayer that went something like this- Lord, help me be present to this moment as I clean up this mess. 

I share this not to boast of my piety, but rather the opposite. I was absolutely surprised that I didn’t lose it when I saw the mess on the floor. Maybe, just maybe, this simple, small habit we are forming together of pausing throughout the day is starting to overflow into other areas of our lives. 

So, today I invite you to join me in taking a PAUSE. I invite you to PAUSE whatever it is you are doing or have to get done. PAUSE your planning and prepping and instead be present to God’s presence in this moment. 

I invite you to take a few breaths. 

In. Out. In. And back out. 

As you focus on your breathing, ask the Holy Spirit to quiet and still your mind as you pause. 

Check in with yourself. 

How are you?

How is your soul?

Reflect: What moments have slipped by you today that were perhaps an opportunity to PAUSE and practice patience? 

Look ahead: Do you have any commitments coming up in the near future where PAUSING before they begin may be helpful?
 

Beath. In. Out. 

Hold whatever came to your mind from the past or the future before God in this present moment.

Beath. In. Out.

Say a short prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you carry this pause into all that you do for the rest of the day. 

Thank God for this moment. 

Grace and Peace,
Anthony and Jake

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