The teachers and staff at my son’s school have a practice I have found fascinating over the years. When they want the kids (for example, in the loud lunchroom) to be quiet, they raise one hand with their pointer finger in the air then calmly shout, “Press pause” before lowering it to their lips.
The students follow suit and then the room (usually) becomes silent. It’s like magic. Each time I’ve witnessed this seemingly impossible feat, I’ve been amazed that the children know what to do and actually do it.
And each time I join them in placing my own finger over my lips (because if you’re in the room, you do what the teacher says), I’m left pondering the notion of pausing my words and actions in order to receive instruction.
Press Pause.
Stop what you are saying and doing and pay attention.
Listen up . . .
Because someone other than you has something important to say and it’s probably going to help you learn and grow and get better.
2020 is such an important year because it comes with the hope of clarity and vision. 2020 for me will be a training ground; a classroom in which I plan to pay attention, to listen up with the hope of learning, growing, and getting better at providing tools that help families.
This month I begin the Masters of Education program at Liberty University. I will be studying child development, learning theory, and curriculum and instruction with a Christian worldview so I can be more effective in my role as editorial director of Minno and to someday develop even more resources for you here at Gather & Grow.
Because I want to put my best self into this program (while working full time and taking care of my family), I feel the Lord has asked me to press pause in this space for a while.
Nothing will change with the content that is already here on the blog. In fact, I’m making all of our past content available to everyone on our Family Faith Toolkit page (password no longer necessary).
I will not be sending monthly emails and I will no longer be doing a monthly devotional calendar. Unless I feel completely led by God, I will not be writing any new blog posts either.
Although I won’t be recording any new podcasts for Bloomtown Faith, you can still access all of our past seasons of family devotions on iTunes.
You will not see any new activity on social media but know that I will continue to pray for the families I have had the privilege of interacting with over the years and any new families that stumble upon this little corner of the internet.
I do not feel God’s work here is done but I know He’s asking me to press pause for now. Because I trust Him, I must obey.
It has been such an honor to interact with so many of you over the years. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. And remember . . . you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
It’s not really good-bye . . . it’s see you soon!
XOXO,
I want to make sure you have tools to begin 2020 with vision and intention. You can download our last Family Devotional Calendar for January 2020 HERE and grab a copy of our Becoming a Family on Mission Bible Study and Mission Statement Guide HERE.
Please reach out to me anytime you need support or prayer. jess@gatherandgrow.co
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