Pause+Pray

Reflect  Thomas of Celano observed of Francis of Assisi that “his life was a prayer.” Francis met every moment and encounter prayerfully and carefully. Each moment was an opportunity to respond God’s presence in his human and non-human companions. Your life can be a ...

Reflect Have you ever criticized yourself for not doing “enough spiritually”?  Not saying the right devotions, not kneeling the whole time, not paying attention enough?  Pray Heavenly Father, You ask for our faithfulness not for great tasks and efforts. You call us because we are ...

Reflect As predictable as the morning light streaming through my porch window—he’s at it again. My aging neighbor shuffles out his front door down his driveway, picking up the newspaper he retrieves daily for his frail wife. Then another trip—to ...

Reflect The outside of my white passenger van is covered with dozens of colorful magnetic flowers. No matter where I drive it, people invariably notice and smile. I want to bring that kind of joy to the people I meet ...

Ask someone how they are doing today. Not just a “How are you?” with a “I’m good” response in passing, but genuinely sit down and have a conversation with a friend, family member, or even a coworker.

Sadness is inevitable, but God doesn’t want us wallowing in it. Sometimes a short walk or a conversation with a friend can give our spirits a lift.