Pause, Don’t Stop

Former procrastinators, I’m celebrating a victory this week. I’ve gone back to the gym!

Let me pause and remind those of you who can, to come to a procrastination conference in Alexandria, VA January 27-28. I’ll be giving three talks. It would be great to see you!

http://www.alexandriapres.org/calendar/womens-conference

Also, remember I really like your feedback and input on the blog anytime!

Now back to the gym. I’ve been away a long time – since October. My husband’s mom declined greatly then passed away. That meant we were needed elsewhere and there was no gym or time to visit one. I feel like the Lord gave me a gift during that time – a clear conscience. I set important gym-going aside in order to pay attention to something else more important then.

We had sweet interaction with family and friends during that period and also tended to special tasks. I’m grateful we were able to give ourselves without hesitation.

I don’t feel those weeks were “lost.” They were directed by the Lord into something different than I expected but very valuable.

Then, like most of you, we rolled into a busy December with conflicts that made the gym difficult. My conscience is not quite as clear for that time; there will always be conflicts. But one thing for sure: I knew I was still a Gym- Goer. I knew I’d be back. It was “Pause, don’t stop.”

“Pause, don’t stop” has helped me often. Sometimes interruptions bring our work to a halt. Most of the time that doesn’t mean we have to give it up. It means we have to set it aside for a period – and come back as soon as possible – whether minutes or months later.

A familiar refrain is “Now my whole day is shot.” Rarely is that true. Pause, don’t stop.

Maybe you had car trouble, or had to pick up a sick child at school, or the computer went down. Though interruptions mean a change of focus, they do not usually mean death to our work. We need not throw up our hands and walk off the job. Pick up a hammer and put in a few nails. Jot down some ideas, make a phone call, email a question.

Stay alert. Giving something up for a while can be a deadly trap for someone prone to procrastination. Our stride is broken and we slump. “Oh well. I couldn’t keep it going.” Or “Such and such made me stop.” That’s when we need to buck up and remind ourselves, “Pause, don’t stop.” Get back in the game as soon as possible. No excuses. Or stay in the game making small contributions.

A pause in music is not the end of the piece; it continues on. Pause on the tv remote does not cut the power. Remember your connection to the Holy Spirit’s power. Pause, don’t stop!

When do you need to practice “Pause, don’t stop”?