You may not be a football fan, but in all probably you will be aware that there is a World Cup going on at the moment. And if you are a Scotland fan, you may be preparing for a late night cheering on your team, whilst hoping you don't have to deal with anything too complicated tomorrow morning.
If you've not been watching the matches, one thing you will have missed that is new to this tournament, is hydration breaks. You can tell when the referee calls for one, because the stadium erupts with boos. In effect, the turn the match into four quarters, and cynically some might suggest that they are designed to allow for more advertising slots. Especially if they are happening in climate controlled environments where the playing conditions are perfect. One of the reasons they are disliked is because they can often change the momentum in a match, which can of course impact the final score.
Taking a break - pausing for a moment - can change the momentum of any situation.
And there can be value in knowing that.
In John's gospel, we have the story of the woman hauled before Jesus who is accused of adultery. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees demand a response from Jesus about them having the right to stone her. Jesus does not respond straight away. There is a pause. He writes on the ground - we don't know what. But when he finally does speak, the challenge he puts back to them causes them to pause. The oldest ones first. And gradually the baying crowd disperses. Jesus then turns and speaks to the woman.
There are times in life and in ministry when we can find ourselves in a maelstrom of events and emotions. We can feel under pressure to respond, to act, to speak. And in the midst of the storm, we can lose our perspective, which can reduce the possibility of a healthy outcome.
But what if we allowed ourselves a moment - a pause - before sending the email or speaking in response to a challenge or question? What if we stepped away from the situation for a little while in order to regain our perspective? What if we resisted the pressure to act according to the timetable someone else is seeking to impose on us? Rarely is an urgent response required. And choosing to take the time that is required to make a considered response can be so beneficial. It can reduce the potential for a 'hot take' which escalates the situation.
It also gives us the opportunity to bring God into the conversation. To pause and pray. To ask for wisdom. To discern the Spirit's leading and guiding in the moment. To remember that we are not alone.
Where in your life would a pause in a conversation or a situation change the momentum and allow for a different way forward?
The summer months can afford us the opportunity of a slightly longer pause. Breaking the usual pattern of life to enjoy time away, time with family or time with God. A hydration break of a different sort.
"You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water."
Psalm 63
Can I encourage you to hit the 'pause' button in the coming weeks and if you do stay up late tonight, I hope tomorrow is a gentle day.
Rev Stella
