Practice the Pause - Laetitia van Schalkwyk

Genuine connections involve uncomfortable conversations. It is always better to address things rather than avoiding, withholding & ignoring. Opening and leaning into vulnerability is key instead of refusing to engage when others let us know how our words/actions have impacted them. 

But! This is key: 

Practice the pause.

Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly, and you will avoid doing and saying things you will regret. 

Do not be pulled into their vibration; always rise higher.  

Romans 12:2 TPT

“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” 

Before you respond to someone, remember that your response is also your agreement to establish an energy connection with them, which may change your energy field and vibrational frequency. 

Before you act or react: 

Pause. Practice the pause. Do not react before pausing. Take a deep breath. 

Measure your response or reaction to: 

Psalm 127:1 TPT 

“If God’s grace does not help the builders, they will labor in vain to build a house. If God’s mercy does not protect the city, all the sentries will circle it in vain.” 

Your “house” is first “you” – build yourself up.

  

Jude 1:20 TPT 

“But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. Fasten your hearts to the love of God and receive the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal life.” 

Secondly, your “house” might be your “marriage,” your family, your work.  

Your response or reaction must always flow from: 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 TPT 

“Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing in the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving. It extends beyond the gift of prophecy, which eventually fades away. It is more enduring than tongues, which will one day fall silent. Love remains long after words of knowledge are forgotten.” 

  

Ephesians 5:33 TPT 

“So, every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself. And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband.” 

The New Living Translation reads: 

“So again, I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” 

Before you point fingers, or rather before you focus or point to someone else’s shortcomings, turn your gaze into your own heart and ask yourself if your response or reaction is gracious, loving, respectful. 

Back at home, this is on our fridge: 

Colossians 3:15 

Amplified Bible 

“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].” 

Untill next time. Shalom.

 

 

Laetitia van Schalkwyk 

Glory Realm Ministries