I am writing this week’s newsletter from an undisclosed location. It is not as mysterious as it sounds; I am just spending a week away with my wife and two younger daughters. This week is spring break for our schools, so we are taking advantage of it with a little time away as a family. As I write this, I am sitting alone in a hotel lobby early in the morning. A single hotel employee works behind the main desk as I anticipate a fresh cup of coffee. While the coffee finishes brewing and I wait for sun to rise, I am left to reflect on a few things as I enjoy the stillness of the morning.

As a pastor, I find it impossible to disconnect completely or to think of nothing pertaining to home while getting away. Many still need my prayers. The coming Sunday’s messages to be preached are on my mind. While I cannot completely disengage, I have learned to hit “pause.” There are projects and needs that I cannot manage from here, and more importantly, that I do not need to manage from here. The pressure of pastoring and leading many ministries is a constant reality. However, I have learned the specific skill of hitting the “pause” button.

No, this is not a real button I push before leaving the house. This mental button tells my mind, “I’ll pick up that project later.” This mental exercise has been a game changer because it has allowed me to balance responsibilities. This is our last family getaway before my youngest daughter graduates high school and before my middle daughter leaves for summer tour with our Bible college’s singing group. Too often, our responsibilities demand we push “pause” on family time, so it is important to pause other responsibilities to make the most of these times that cannot be recaptured. On what do I push “pause”?

• On book projects I am currently writing
• On planning for upcoming conferences our church is hosting
• On Sunday school organization for new classes
• On an upcoming sermon series
• On expanding our ministry of Christian education
• On our missions ministry, the Great Commission Mission
• On fundraising for The Amanda Ranch
• On developing grief courses for Binding the Brokenhearted Ministries
• On preparing for the upcoming workshop for Galatians 6:1 Ministries
• On developing helps for ministry staff and leadership
• On my reading and personal growth
• On planning for the future of continued growth of ministries

There are many other things I have on “pause” for the next few days that constantly demand my attention in the ministry. I have had to learn that when I get home, these projects will be right where I left them. Better yet, my mind will be clearer, my spirit will be refreshed, and memories will have been made with my family. In fact, it is in the times I have my life’s work on “pause” that I am reminded why I am doing my life’s work.

Through the years, my family has become accustomed to family events and dinners being put on “pause” while I take a phone call to comfort a church member or to counsel someone in need. They have had their days paused while I dealt with someone else’s crisis. They do not complain. In fact, they understand and support me in helping the people we all love.

As for those things on “pause,” I will pick them up where I left them. As I wrap up writing this, I anticipate a day of my daughters dragging me all over an amusement park. They have insisted we have to be there when the park opens.

As for One More Thing… for you to consider?

When was the last time you hit a life “pause” button? When have you set aside the projects and responsibilities to take time to refresh your spirit and to enjoy your loved ones? It does not necessarily mean you have to clear a large block of time or plan an elaborate trip. It could simply mean turning off your phone, planning a “night out,” or maybe enjoying a “night home.” Whatever it looks like for you, make sure you take the time to hit “pause.”

Well, my time with you here is done for now. I am being summoned. It is time to go be twisted and turned upside down by the latest roller coaster. It is time to make some memories. I just hope these memories are not at my expense.

Powering off the computer…“Pause”