I just returned from the annual National Catholic Education Association convention in New Orleans. It was a terrific event and the NCEA does a great job of bringing speakers, practitioners and vendors together for three solid days.

While I was there I purchased Terry Hershey's The Power of Pause from Loyola Press. Something about the title really caught my eye and I read it while on my two flights back to Jersey.

Hershey's point is simple enough- practicing Sabbath is important in and of itself. Yes, it's a means to an end (deeper relationship with God) but it might also be of benefit on its own.

Pausing/Sabbath is important on any given day in that it...

Renews your senses

Anchors you in the ordinary

Physically removes your stress

Provides an opportunity to listen to God

Slows you down

Disconnects you from technology

Each of us can find a moment in our day to pause. I call this a Quiet Time and I often fill it with some Scripture reading as well as a time to write in my journal. Mornings are best for me but I don't stress if it comes later in the day. The key is to simply do it and not stress whether it's "good enough" or perfect. Sort of like a runner, I just get out there and let it happen. I don't wait for perfect conditions to have a Quiet Time.

I think that another of Hershey's points is that Pausing need not try to accomplish anything. Don't try to get really, really good at your Quiet Time. Don't try to become a Master Journaler.

Just pause and see what effects take place in you over time.

When was the last time that you had a week where Pausing was a regular feature? Psalm 46: 10 provides a great starting point if you are hoping to add more Pause to your day:

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.