Pause

It was the day after Halloween and already we had Christmas music blasting through the speakers.

For four and a half hours, as we drove to visit family in Iowa, we sang loudly and out of tune. First we sang Nat King Cole, as Casey loves the classics. Then we belted out the high notes in Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree.” We laughed when we realized just how terrible we sounded. I spied Cadence in the rearview just rolling her eyes.

It was such a small, but precious moment. We were truly present with one another. The problems of the world disappeared, if for just a minute. No screens, no breaking news, no politics, no noise. Just my family, a long drive, and a Spotify playlist of classic to campy Christmas music.

We reached our destination, and the playlist ended. Back to reality. Government shutdown, hungry families being forced to choose between food and rent, political madness, wars abroad - it was there the whole car ride. But for a moment, we hit pause and found a moment of joy and peace. We smiled, laughed, sang and shut out the noise (except for the noises of our voices), for a beat.

Pauses are important. If we don’t hit pause on the world and hit play on Christmas songs in the car once in a while, we will burn out. The world needs us charged to 100. So pause if you need to. Turn up the music. Christmas music has been scientifically proven to make you feel happier (look it up!) And then, when you’re ready, get back out there and keep up the fight.

Holy One,

Help us to find moments in our lives where we can pause and recharge. The work is difficult, and we need all the energy we can muster. Pause the noise for a moment and help us find our joy.

Amen

Kelly is a mom, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, and friend. And one of those people who begin the Christmas season on November 1. Unapologetically.