I was walking outside to feed the chickens, and talking to the Lord.
“It’s frustrating to feel like I have to hit pause on my life for a few days when I’m not feeling well,” I said.
I’m sure you can relate to this feeling.
There are many things in life that we can’t control and countless things we can do to care for our health. But sometimes a season of illness or discomfort comes up and all we can do is trust God even though we’re not feeling our best.
Now, in my case I wasn’t talking to the Lord about a serious health concern, it was something that was more inconvenient than anything. I realize that there are people who deal with serious health issues and I don’t want to downplay that at all. I just want to share what the Lord showed me in hopes that it encourages you too, although I realize that it’s not always easy to look at the positive in the midst of difficult circumstances. But, if you are having to hit pause right now—because of something small and inconvenient or big and scary—just know that there is another side to the disappointment and frustration.
And it can be really frustrating to have to postpone a new goal that you want to stay consistent on, a project you’re really excited to finish, or something you thought you were going to be able to do that you now can’t. And that’s when you can find yourself, like I was, telling God why you’re frustrated.
I love how fast God is with his answer sometimes. When I told him I felt like I was having to hit pause on my life he said, “Yes, but what are you also hitting start on?”. It was one of those moments where the Lord says something and you’re like,“Oh wow, yes, um, let me see.” I made a list of the things I was “hitting start” on while I scooped chicken feed and gathered the eggs. I found that there were a surprising amount of things to add to that list.
Not feeling well and having to rest meant that I could “hit start” on:
- Having more time for relaxation (more than I’d like sometimes :D)
- Being able to give the Lord my attention because I’m not as busy
- Having more time to spend feeding my heart
- Possibly getting ideas (for online content or books, and things like that)
- Strengthening my relationship with God, learning to trust and have faith
- Nurturing my body more
- Learning things about myself, God, interesting topics, or practical skills
After making my list, I realized that having to hit pause wasn’t as negative as I had first imagined (I still don’t like not feeling well though). And despite the fact that I may still feel disappointed when I have to put more focus on my health and less on my work, I now have this list (thanks, Lord!) to remind myself that there is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Sometimes, you’re in a season of working really hard, focusing deeply, and getting in a flow. And then there are times to slow down, focus inwardly, and be thankful.
And together with your heavenly Father, you can explore it.
