THE PAUSE

You know what they say.

Never pray for patience. God has a funny way of answering that prayer… He makes you practice it over and over and over.

I remember in college pridefully proclaiming I didn’t struggle with patience. I can only imagine God laughing at me. I had no struggle because I wasn’t being tested.

Well, it’s clear to me now there’s not much patience in my cup. At work, I move fast and try to be as efficient as possible. I am giving direction, answering emails, and checking off the to-do list. Patience isn’t a struggle there.

When I get home, my kids don’t think about efficiency. They are mostly just trying to enjoy themselves. They literally don’t know or care what efficiency means.

A mental shift has to happen before I walk through our front door. It isn’t the act of becoming someone different, but rather preparing my mind to be engaged and tested.

One thing I have learned along the way: THE PAUSE 🛑 

In that moment when kids are disobeying or not listening, there is a much-needed pause. That sliver of time to hold back the emotion and let those helpful and rational thoughts catch up. When I succeed in taking that moment, my dad skills go way up.

Have you experienced THE PAUSE?