A Norvell Note for March 1, 2021
Vol. 23 No. 09
Plans and Pauses
Spring was coming on with intensity, then the winter storm hit and slowed the process. Fields and lawns were turning green. Trees were budding. Birds were singing. Then, pause.
Tiger was recovering from back surgery and preparing to return to competitive golf, hoping to make an appearance that the 2021 Masters. His automobile accident has put everything on hold as he recovers. His career is on pause.
Twelve months ago, we could not imagine the life changes we were about to experience. Nor could we imagine that we would still be experiencing them.
The Bible is full of stories about people who experienced an unexpected pause in their plans. Poor choices distracted David from following God. Jonah rebelled against God, delaying the message of repentance. Peter’s denials disrupted his leadership of the disciples. Paul’s missionary travel plans had multiple starts and stops. They paused as they dealt with the setbacks.
As I reflect on my sixty-eight trips around the sun, it reminds me of numerous times when I faced setbacks (some my own doing and others beyond my control) that forced me to suspend my plans and wait for me to see and understand God’s new approach.
Without exception, a setback (a reversal or stoppage of progress) irritates and frustrates me. I’m in a hurry, and a long slow train stops my progress. When I need to print a document quickly, the printer decides to misfeed. When I thought I was moving toward accomplishing an important goal, I realize that goal was not what I was needing (or wanting) to do. When I see some light at the end of the financial tunnel, an unexpected expense dims the light.
Does any of that sound familiar?
Almost without exception, the pause (interrupt action or speech briefly) ends up being a blessing. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to say (or write) something, but I hesitated and remained quiet for one reason or another. That train that stopped my progress reminded me that being in a hurry is not necessary. The pandemic and slower pace provided the opportunity to see what’s important and appreciate my blessings. The weird and unexplained rash made me get a couple of days of much-needed rest.
As warmer weather returns, I am confident that the colors of spring will soon decorate the landscape.
Pauses and setbacks are part of life. How we deal with them is our choice. We can fuss and fume. Or we can look for the beauty found slowing down and looking for hidden blessings, as we remember that the Father is on our side, guiding our steps, sees things that are beyond our ability to see.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.”[1]
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[1] Isaiah 55:8-13, NIV