Have you ever stepped away from your responsibilities expecting rest, only to discover God had something entirely different in store? That’s where I found myself this past month. I thought a pause would leave me refreshed and renewed, but instead it unfolded with laughter and tears, celebrations and loss, lingering mornings and surprising lessons. Join me in discovering the unexpected gifts of stepping away to pause now.
Sometimes a pause doesn’t look like a quiet retreat—instead, it’s four weddings, one funeral, a first birthday party, hosting loved ones, and facing emotions I had long pushed aside. It wasn’t what I planned, but God used it to give me clarity, perspective, and reminders of His faithful presence in both joy and sorrow.
The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.
— Billy Graham
When Pauses Don’t Go as Planned
I will never know why I expected rest, quiet, and renewal in the middle of a busy personal schedule. Do you tend to underestimate, like me, what’s really on your schedule? Reality rarely looks like the quiet retreat I imagined in my head.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”Taking a break can be messy, full, and emotional. And God knows what we need, which is not always what we had in mind. #pause #unexpected Share on X
(Proverbs 19:21, NIV)
The Unexpected Gifts of Stepping Away That Can Emerge From a Pause
The Gift of Processing Hard Emotions
Slowing down gives us space to face grief and disappointment. Sometimes that pain is hidden deep down and covered up by our busyness. One might think that never accessing that pain is okay, but it leaks out when we fail to notice and process these emotions.
I had no idea that the loss of my Dad and then his good friend, Dr. James Dobson, the day before my Dad’s funeral, would unleash a lifetime of childhood wounds—memories filled with intense sorrow, disappointment, confusion, and joy. But the pause gave me time to begin processing.
God knew I needed that time so He could meet me in that place. It certainly didn’t hurt that I convinced a few women this summer to walk through the book, Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen—a book I highly recommend.
God will meet us in our weakness! He becomes our companion in our sorrow. We are not alone! #neveralone #weakness Share on X“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)What a gift it is to lay everything before Jesus—and discover that His Word really does comfort, heal, and steady our hearts. #gift #Godisgood Share on X
The Gift of Laughter, Joy, and Community
Do you let yourself be silly? It’s a gift to your soul. A pause in life can certainly invite and make room for laughter, joy, and community—all elements of life that are necessary and sometimes lacking in our lives. When we slow down to be in the moment, we begin to experience a freedom to notice more, like how it feels to be one, and discover the excitement of blowing bubbles and dancing to music.
Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.”
— Sam Storms
The Gift of Lingering
Do you allow yourself the gift to linger in the moment or a few more minutes in bed? Usually, the minute I open my eyes in the morning, I jump out of bed and get started with my day. However, during August, I discovered the gift of lingering and letting go of hurry. It was a surprising gift, one I hope you’ll give yourself permission to try.
Take a moment to watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Linger to see what your grandchild will discover. Or pause to find out what God wants to show you in the silence.
True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.
—William Penn
The Gift of Celebrating Life’s Milestones
There is nothing like the privilege of watching two people unite their lives as one. To share in their joy through dancing and spending time with those you love, and to look back on the milestone of a first birthday or any birthday with gratitude for this person in your life and the years shared.
Pausing gave me time to celebrate milestones—and to remember that Jesus holds our stories in His faithful hands. #pausing #faithful Share on XThe Gift of Perspective Through Loss
When we lose those we care about, the experience can give us perspective if we slow down to pay attention. We have the opportunity to evaluate our own lives and the legacy we want to leave. They can bring a time of reflection, gratitude, and the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Loss can sharpen our gratitude for the days we’ve lived and anchor us in the eternal hope we have in Christ. #gratitude #loss #eternalhope Share on XBrothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NIV)
The Gift of Clarity
Sitting on a beach watching the waves roll in, taking a walk, and experiencing God’s creation can do wonders to bring clarity to many aspects of life.
Stepping away for a bit clears our mental clutter. #pause Share on XNever be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
—Corrie Ten Boom
The Gift of God’s Nearness
We must remember that pausing is surrender and not a waste of time. God loves to draw us deeper when we sit still with Him. He unveils truths, desires, and wisdom in those moments.
Pausing with God allows us to release what we can’t control, receive His peace, and remember His faithfulness. #pause #control #peace Share on XYou can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.
― S.D. Gordon,
Practical Steps When We Pause
1. Release Expectations
Let God define your pause and what He wants you to receive. Sometimes it will come at a time you least expect it. Go ahead and give in to it.
2. Look for Gifts, Not Outcomes
Ask daily, “Lord, what do you want to show me in this moment?”
3. Capture the Big and Small Moments
Seize the moments and journal the laughter, tears, and everyday graces.
4. Invite God into the Pause
Try using these quiet moments to connect with God on a deeper level. Choose a verse to carry with you through the day or week.
Encouragment
Remember, when you choose to pause, things are rarely neat and tidy, or do they turn out as expected. Allow God to hold you and show up in the messy pauses as well as the ones filled with unbelievable joy. Don’t be hard on yourself if you end up less rested, and trust that there was value in the time, even if you don’t see it right away. Sometimes it takes time to unveil the purpose and the unexpected gifts of stepping away.
The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
—Elisabeth Elliot
Friend, your pauses—whether messy or joy-filled—are not wasted. God meets us there. Will you take a moment to reflect on the unexpected gifts that stepping away is bringing to your pauses today?
Grace & Truth Christian Link-Up
The Most Popular Post in August 2025 | Grace & Truth Link-Up
For August, I’m excited to announce that Lisa Burgess is the winner, as she shares about reading her momma’s journals.
This really made me stop and think. It made me realize that I have emotions that I’ve never really dealt with. Thanks for sharing Jennie Allen’s book. I’m adding that to my reading list!
Michelle,
Yes, I noticed I had a few of those hidden emotions as well. I found Jennie’s book to be excellent and helpful to go through with a few trusted friends.
Maree
This blessed and challenged me, Maree. I need more space for this! Thank you!
Stacey,
I’m glad this post resonated with you as both a blessing and a challenge. I feel the same way.
Maree
It takes SO much self-discipline to step away from what we’re doing in order to reset and recalibrate. Blessings to you as you persevere in obedience.
Michele,
You are absolutely right. It really does require self-discipline. I had never considered it that way before.
Blessings to you. I hope you are having a great week so far.
Maree
I love your use of Scripture. There are more than enough self help articles available. We need more voices pointing us to Christ !
Heather, I really enjoyed your comment! There’s nothing quite like guiding others towards Christ. Warm regards, Maree
I love the above quotes by Billy Graham & Corrie Ten Boom, Maree.
It seems God has a theme going & message for us with pausing & resting as that is what I have posted about this week too! ☺️
Blessings, Jennifer
I love it when that happens. Feel free to add your link to your post here in the comments.
Blessings to you,
Maree
Overcoming Tiredness & Weariness
https://teawithjennifer.blog/2025/09/12/overcoming-tiredness-weariness/
Thank you Maree 💕
Thank you, Maree, for sharing how our Heavenly Father cared for you upon the loss of your dad (for which I am sorry). He provided processing time, just when you needed it, as well as that book by Jennie Allen. Even in times of sorrow and pain, God bestows blessing. We do ourselves a world of good to look for them. (You have my permission to remind me of that the next time circumstances twist ME inside out.)
Ahh, thank you, Nancy. You made me smile with the reminder invitation. I, too, need reminders. It’s been a week here, and my patience is wearing thin. Your comment reminded me to look for the blessings. I’m happy to say it’s absolutely gorgeous outside as the leaves are changing. Thank you, God and Nancy. Blessings, Maree
I’m so sorry about your dad, Maree! I was saddened at the loss of Dr. James Dobson, but I didn’t know him personally. I love how God knows what we need before we need it. Sometimes it feels like our plans are wrecked when He arranges things for us. Your break from blogging might have been just that to give you room for all the personal things—both joys and heartaches.
Thank you, Ashley, for your kind condolences. I agree, God is so good and knows exactly what we need. I’m thankful He is in charge, not me. Maree
I’m sad to hear of the loss of your dad, Maree, and all the grief and processing that accompanies this tremendous loss. May the Lord continue to comfort you.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m really grateful to have God to comfort me. Maree
I’m so sorry you lost your dad, Maree. May God give you strength for each day. Thank you for all the encouragement to seek out those pause moments with God. We need them so much! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
Thank you, Trudy, for your caring words. May you have many peaceful moments of reflection with God today.
Blessings, Maree
So well done in this post, my friend. Your experiences in the pause remind me of how many times I planned a pause that got interrupted by things outside of my control or ones I did not intend. That always reminded me (again) of how much of how life comes at us is outside of my control despite self-discipline and focus. That has helped reduce my stress when my plan doesn’t work out as I hoped.
You’re also right about how often on even ordinary days there are pause moments God gifts us with if we will take them and savor them like that first sip of morning coffee we anticipate. Our pastor talks often about learning to “rest-trust” and how they are a combination that aligns us with the Lord’s heart for us.
I have been rereading some of the pages of my 1999 journal and how it allows me to see God’s faithfulness in growing me up in Him.
Pam,
Thank you so much for sharing what your pastor says, “rest-trust.” I really appreciate how that can help us connect more deeply with the Lord’s heart. I’m excited to try that myself as I enjoy my tea in the mornings before starting my devotional time.
Your encouraging words truly lifted my spirits. You’re absolutely right—it’s all out of our control, and trusting in that can bring so much peace.
Sending blessings your way, my dear friend,
Maree
Oh, Maree. What a full month you had. I’m glad you had already planned to pause, even though it looked quite differently in the end, so that you had space to breathe in all those happenings. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. Being a human is complicated with its pains and pleasures, but walking through it together sustains us.
I continue to read through my mama’s journals (thanks for sharing the link) and am finding both those pains and pleasures in her own life, some of which I knew about and some of which I didn’t. It draws me even closer to her.
Lisa,
I really appreciate your heartfelt words: “Being a human is complicated with its pains and pleasures, but walking through it together sustains us.” You’re absolutely right. I also love that reading your mom’s journals helps you feel more connected to her. I’m not sure I’d want anyone to read my journals, but I admire your openness.
Blessings, my friend,
Maree