Embrace

A few weeks ago, my junior class was doing their final class discussion over a variety of texts. In order to pass, each student had to ask and answer two questions. The topics and themes ranged from forgiveness to fear.
As one class struggled to get started, I reminded them that silence was okay. I encouraged them to sit in the awkwardness and discomfort. I summed it all up with one statement: “Embrace the pause.”
Holy Spirit convicted me right there in my classroom. Loudly. Clearly. Gently, but directly.
Here I was teaching my students to wait, pause, breathe, and think before they speak while I’m the “Queen of Now.”
I know what I want, and I want it now. I know the questions I have, and I want them answered. I know the prayers I have, and I want them delivered. I know the guidance I need, and I want it now.
But He is asking me to embrace the wait.
To enjoy the waiting season.
To sit in the slow down.
To rest in the not yet.
To be present in the pause.
Maybe you are waiting for something to change. Maybe you need answers to lingering life questions. Maybe you need direction for your next chapter. Maybe you need an answered prayer. Maybe you just feel like you’re in slow motion or sitting in silence.
Embrace the pause.
One student left a note on my desk after our discussion. She wrote, “Thank you for making me be uncomfortable. It sucked, and it was hard. I can’t wait to do it again.”
She saw the value of the pause.
She learned new limits.
She made hard moves.
She faced fears.
She grew.
As I have reflected on that moment,
I’m comforted by His truth:
-He IS God.
He knows. He sees.
He controls. And He is good.
-He is with us.
He is present in the pause.
He is walking us through the wait.
-He isn’t finished.
He completes what He starts.
He gives us a hope and future.
So, I embrace this pause as I wait for my family to grow, prayers to be answered, and His plans to unfold.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5

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