Why I’m Thankful for the Pause Button

This series was taught during the adult Sunday school class at church, l before I ever started attending Calvary. Somehow, though, the Lord saw fit to place it in front of me through their YouTube channel, and I’ve found myself slowly making my way through it. I’m about halfway now, and it’s been deep, even gritty at times, but in the best way. It's the kind of teaching that settles in and lingers. To quote my Grandpop, "It sticks to the bones."

I keep coming back to how thankful I am that it’s available online. If it weren’t, I would have completely missed because I arrived at Calvary after the series had already come to a close, and I spend my Sundays in the women’s class each week. And yet, here it is, meeting me right where I am.

Maybe that’s part of the gift too… the ability to slow down. I’ve always been one to take notes, but this has been different. I can pause, sit with a thought a little longer, open my Bible, and let the Word speak for itself. There’s been a sweetness in not rushing. I'm able to read, reflect, and linger awhile. It feels less like simply listening to a lesson and more like quietly abiding in it.

I apply this method to each Sunday worship service as well. Choosing to be present and listening to the message presented without the worry of taking notes and missing something. Then, during the week I watch the replay of the livestream and enjoy the blessing of the pause button. Two churches actually sowed the seeds for my routine.

The women’s Bible study group in my previous church began to make their weekly study about the message preached each Sunday. This was and continues to be a fantastic idea because it helps people carry the message into their week. Because my new church has a dedicated women’s Sunday school class as well as women’s Bible study and more, I added this routine and made it part of my personal Bible study along with whatever book or topic I’m currently studying. Currently I’m studying the life of Samuel, the last of the Israelite judges and the first of the major prophets after Moses. Before I launch into all the extremely cool things about Samuel’s life, I’ll get back on track and wrap-up this post.

This is why I’m so thankful for the pause button when viewing past livestreams or series like this.

It’s good to pause and abide.

Naps are good too, just ask Elijah.
I’ll talk about that another time.

Peace,
B