The Gift of Stillness: Rediscovering Joy in Life’s Pauses

A Moment to Breathe

Stillness is like the morning fog—it settles quietly, obscures what lies ahead, but allows you to focus on what’s immediately before you. In the midst of life’s busyness, the holiday season often feels like a whirlwind of obligations. Between work, events, and endless to-do lists, the pace can leave us breathless.

But every so often, life insists we pause—whether through an unexpected detour, a quiet moment, or, as I experienced yesterday, a day spent recovering from illness. While I initially felt guilty for missing a memorial I’d planned to attend, I found myself at home with an unexpected gift: stillness. It was in this unplanned pause that I rediscovered joy—not through productivity or perfection but through quiet, intentional moments of reflection and care.

Rediscovering Joy in Simplicity

At first, being sick felt like a setback. I thought of all I wasn’t accomplishing—the missed opportunity to honor someone’s life, the tasks piling up, the time slipping by. But as I sat down to wrap gifts, something surprising happened.

Wrapping presents became more than a task; it turned into a meditation. With each carefully folded corner and tied ribbon, I thought about the people these gifts were for—their kindness, their support, and the ways they’ve enriched my life. Gratitude welled up in my heart, transforming what felt like a mundane chore into a sacred moment.

Psalm 46:10 came to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In my rush to do everything, I often forget that stillness itself is an act of faith. It’s trusting that even when we pause, God continues to work.

That day, I let go of the need to accomplish more and instead embraced the moment. The result? A profound sense of peace and a renewed perspective on the value of rest.

The Power of a Pause

This isn’t the first time life has slowed me down to teach me something. I’m reminded of a hike I took at Snow Canyon State Park, where I struggled to climb a rocky peak. Halfway up, I stopped—not just because I was tired but because the view demanded it.

From that vantage point, I could see the vast desert stretching endlessly, the play of shadows on red rock, and the quiet beauty of creation. It struck me then, as it did yesterday, that some of life’s most profound moments happen when we pause.

As Anne Lamott so beautifully puts it, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” These moments of pause reset not just our bodies but our souls. They allow us to regain clarity, perspective, and gratitude.

Soul Insights

1. Rest is Not Wasted Time

Rest often feels like a luxury we can’t afford, but it’s essential for renewal. Matthew 11:28 reminds us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Yesterday, as I rested, I realized how much I’d been pouring out without refilling my own cup. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s restoration.

2. Gratitude Flourishes in Quiet Moments

The stillness of wrapping gifts gave me time to reflect on the blessings in my life. Gratitude doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers in the quiet. When we pause, we create space to notice the small but meaningful joys we might otherwise overlook.

3. Joy Comes from Presence, Not Perfection

The gifts I wrapped weren’t extravagant, but they were meaningful. As Brené Brown says, “Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing the extraordinary.” True joy is found in the present moment, not in the pursuit of perfection.

4. God Speaks in the Silence

In 1 Kings 19:12, Elijah encounters God not in a powerful wind or earthquake but in a gentle whisper. Yesterday, in the stillness of my home, I heard that whisper—a reminder to trust, to rest, and to find peace in His presence.

5. Perspective Shifts in Pauses

Just as my hike at Snow Canyon offered a new perspective on the beauty around me, stepping back yesterday reminded me to view life with fresh eyes. What felt like a setback turned out to be an opportunity for reflection and gratitude.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Gift of Stillness

Life rarely unfolds according to our plans, but perhaps that’s the point. In the detours and pauses, we discover what truly matters: connection, gratitude, and faith.

The holiday season often brings to mind words like joy, peace, and love, yet we rarely give ourselves the space to truly experience them. Yesterday reminded me that true joy doesn’t come from the hustle—it comes from being present.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Pausing allows us to reset—not just for the tasks ahead but for the person we’re becoming.

This week, I encourage you to embrace the gift of stillness. Take a moment to breathe deeply, unplug, or simply sit quietly in reflection. You might be surprised by the peace, joy, and clarity you find waiting in life’s pauses.

Soul Path Insights