Learning To Pause and Reset by Chris Sasser

If you’re anything like me, there are moments throughout the year when life feels like it’s spinning too fast. Things keep moving along at a rapid pace, and I hit a wall where I just need to catch my breath. The constant busyness and chaos pull me in, yet deep down, I know I need something more. I don’t just need a quick break or a weekend getaway. I need a reset for my soul. I need a pause that realigns my priorities and redirects my life. For me, that pause comes when I remember to stop, sit, reflect, and step.

Stop:
Stopping isn’t as easy or as hard as it seems. It’s not just about walking away from your “to-do” list or shutting down for the day. In fact, we’ve become pretty skilled at “stopping” the wrong things. We pause work, tune out relationships, and stop engaging in the things that bring us life, only to get lost in a mindless loop of scrolling on our phones. We stop to escape, not to rest. To really stop means to truly pause. It’s stepping away from the distractions, not leaning into them. It’s about resisting the pull of endless notifications and choosing to intentionally stop and breathe. Stopping should give us room to clear our minds and quiet our hearts so we can begin to focus on what matters.

Sit:
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” That verse gives me a picture of sitting where I am still and at peace. I have a few favorite spots around my home and yard where I can just sit and rest. Those places help me feel calm, giving me a sense of God’s presence.

I also picture myself sitting in the beauty of nature, on a quiet beach or high up on a mountain ridge, surrounded by God’s creation. I can’t always get to those places physically, but sometimes, I can go there in my mind. The key is to stop and sit. I don’t need to fill the space with activity. I don’t need to achieve anything or check a box. I just need to sit, be still, and soak in God’s peace.

Reflect:
For years, I wore a badge of pride when I’d say, “I always look forward and never look back.” I believed focusing on the future was a strength, something that set me apart. But over time, I realized how much of my present and future is shaped by the patterns and baggage of my past.

Reflecting isn’t about dwelling on the past. It’s about learning from it. It’s about recognizing habits, uncovering unhelpful patterns, and finding moments of growth. It’s also about remembering the goodness of God. When I pause to reflect on His faithfulness and provision in my life, I can respond with gratitude. Reflection keeps me grounded, aware of where I’ve been and focused on how God is leading me forward.

Step:
Once I’ve stopped, sat, and reflected, it’s time to take a step. Moving forward doesn’t mean running at full speed or having everything figured out. Sometimes, all it takes is one step, the next right step. Too often, we get paralyzed by the idea that we need to see the whole plan before we can move. But we don’t need all the answers. We just need to take one step of faith. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Whether it’s a small step or a giant leap, the important thing is to move.

Practicing these four actions, stopping, sitting, reflecting, and stepping, can give you the reset you’re longing for. It doesn’t magically fix every challenge in life, but it will shift your focus toward God and His work in you. And when you’re more grounded spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, you’ll find yourself better equipped to lead your family and face life’s chaos with strength and clarity.