Scratch the To Do’s for the Pause!
I tend to be a person focused on the plan. I have agendas, day planners, and to do lists in every format available! I can schedule a day to death! And while I think I’m having a “productive” day, I have learned that it often leaves myself and my family more stressed and worn out. The satisfaction that is supposed to come with the accomplishment of completing your “To Do” list for the day doesn’t seem to materialize.
This realization has pushed me to change how I approach both my work and my relationships.
I believe this is something where we, as authors, can harness strategy for inspiring creativity.
I’ve grown up with a deep love of home. Of all my travels, and all the places I’ve seen, none move my heart like the smell of the forest after the rain. The ocean being close here in Atlantic Canada gives the air that sweet sea smell that is like none other. The older I become, the more I crave those slow moments. Those refreshing moments of pause. While I dream of the trips I will go on again, and the adventures still to be had, the adventure of home is what inspires me.
Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
I can put a lot of trust in my To Do list; my ability to get it all done. I am learning lately to scratch the To Do’s for the pause- those still moments where I slow down long enough to hear God’s voice, to put everything down at His feet and seek His presence. And oh, the creativity, the inspiration that flows out of that connection with our Creator!
Find your pause
As we walk into summer, I wanted to encourage you to find your pause. If it’s a few moments, a few hours, or a few days- whatever it may look like for you, be intentional about taking that time to pause. Be still. Breath deep the sea air, admire the summer sunshine as it shimmers through the trees. Delight in the beauty that God has given you and allow Him to encourage your heart for the daily battles you face.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
He is our source for all good things.
To this day, the smell of the forest after a storm stirs something deep inside of me. Let’s learn to embrace those moments of calm, and to teach our children to do the same.
Morning Dove Press is a Christ-centred publishing house in Atlantic Canada. We believe that our faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest inspiration for creativity and storytelling which can be powerful tools for sharing God’s love with the world. We publish fiction and non-fiction for the whole family, as well as curriculum for all ages.