As providence would have it, I had the chance to spend a few days last week working at a conference in Ocean City, Maryland. I’ve stayed at the particular hotel a number of times, and I’m sure it was chosen by the sponsors because every guest room is ocean front. I took this photo the morning after I arrived. Even though it was cold and windy, I still sat on my little balcony to watch the sunrise. Having a hot cup of coffee in my hands helped keep me warm, but I would have sat out there anyway.
There’s something so important about taking some time to pause, especially after a major life event. So often, we take a quick breath and then forces sometimes outside our control push us forward and on to the next thing. It would have been that way for me had it not been for this working retreat at the beach. Yes, I was there for work, but to sit there in the conference room and look out the windows to see the ocean, to hear the waves, and to know that I would have time to walk the beach during breaks helped me to relax. It was a great three days.
Speaking of three days, next week is Holy Week, when the Church celebrates the Sacred Triduum, a time to pause and remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Be sure to take some time to pause next week. It will make the joy which comes with Easter all the more powerful.
