Walking with Jesus

Returning from the Pause

Pastor Calvin Cook
July 21, 2026 (Day 12 of 40)

As I start this day, I’m entering it cautiously and with a sense of urgency about the actions, events, and situations before me that will need to be dealt with. You see, I’m returning from a pause.

After Sunday worship, Gail and I left for some rare time with family. We paused to celebrate the accomplishments of my great-nephew, Owen, on his high school graduation and his journey into the next chapter of life. It was good to see and be with family. Living three hours away, we miss many of those special moments, and we certainly feel that.

While in the area where I grew up, it was good to share memories with Gail, but also to personally remember what once was. We stopped by the elementary school I attended, which has now become a wonderful community center. We drove through Dawson, passed places where I had lived, the church where I grew up, and simply paused to remember those days.

Next, Gail and I traveled the back roads through little towns and familiar places on our way to Hyndman and our house. We talked about the early days of our marriage, the many trips along those same roads, and the people we once knew who lived there. We also played the game I love most to play with Gail: “Do you know where we are now?” I almost always win!

Monday was Gail’s birthday, and Gail wanted to press pause. We did, and it was awesome! It was the most valuable present we could have given ourselves. Gail read, napped, ate leftovers, and we simply enjoyed the quiet—no phones ringing, no television, no distractions. Just pausing.

I did have to answer a few emails and questions, but for the most part I sat for hours on the front porch, looked toward the mountain, watched the squirrels, birds, and deer, listened to the creek, and paused. As I sat there, I even found myself thinking that retirement was one day closer.

It certainly was a great couple of days. But now today is before me. Once again, I pause to consider the words of Proverbs 16:9:

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9

And I pray:

Lord, keep me centered and close to You. Keep my eyes fixed on You, my heart fixed on Your will, and my mind set on being renewed more into Your likeness. Keep my feet—and my whole self, mind, body, and spirit—following You. Help me always remember that You walk with me and establish my steps. May I never become so busy that I fail to pause with You.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Until next time, let’s keep walking with Jesus.