Pause.

Today is the third consecutive snow day we've had this week. Needless to say, the facts memorized and knowledge gleaned during the 20 hours of studying my sister and I did this past weekend in preparation for exams was put on hold. It's been a blessing in disguise.

Since November 6th (my last blog post), I've logged onto my blog several times to try to come up with something "epiphany-worthy" to write. I started with summarizing the lessons learned from reading multiple C.S. Lewis's books this past summer and ended with me here. Typing now. 

I love the snow. Seriously. Living in Minnesota for your entire childhood and most of your teenage years makes you a certain person. Either you love the snow, or you hate the snow. I love the snow. I also really like the cold weather (sweaters, tea, and a good book...anyone?). 

Moving to Virginia this past year marked a very important chapter in my life. One of frantically getting adjusted whilst figuring out where to go to college. As the deadlines for all applications are drawing to a close and applications for countless scholarships seem daunting, I needed a pause. I think we all need a pause. So whether you're one of yours truly grateful for the snow because it got you a "get out of school free card" or if you're sitting at the office dissapointed because, well, you're sitting at the office, this one's for you. 

I live off of to-do lists. It helps me feel in control and on top of things, and sometimes, just the opposite. Because when those days come where I don't get everything done that was on my to-do list, they don't seem as good of a day. I think there's good and bad sides to to-do lists. They do help you feel in control and keep you organized, but I also think they can mess with your priorities. I mean, when was the last time you said "hang out with family" or "play with the dog" on your to-do list? That sounds silly, but I'm serious. Those important things that are invaluable to us don't make it on there. Thus, when you let your life get run by lists, those top priorities get waitlisted. Backordered. Now maybe you're one of those people that doesn't write to-do lists. The moral is still the same. Sometimes we plan time in for the miscellaneous tasks in life that are [very] important, but we push people aside in the meantime. Letting the seemingly very-important get in the way of what's truly invaluable. I speak from experience. Believe me. When this happens, something has to intervene. For me, it was a couple of snow days. 

Pausing helps me catch my breath. It give me time to play with my dog outside in the snow, shovel the driveway, complete some of the miscellaneous tasks I've been putting on hold, etc. To stop and enjoy the little things once again. Walter Hagen said it nicely, "You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way." Pausing helps me gain perspective. It helps me realize that even when I missed a deadline or got a D on an assignment, the world keeps spinning. As Ben Rector sings, "Life Keeps Moving On". Sometimes we get so involved in our own lives that we forget there are billions of other people out there going through similar stress-related issues. 

So stop, breathe. You are neither alone nor overcome. Maybe alter your perspective a bit. Truth is, I'm still learning how to put life on pause. But one thing that I've learned is that once I do, I don't regret it. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28