The term, “time out” has most often, always been synonymous with punishment; getting that fussy, difficult child to go sit in the corner. It is always long enough for them to settle themselves down and continue with whatever they were doing before the “meltdown”.

When was the last time you had a “time out”? Not punishment by any means but just sitting quietly doing nothing! Of course that is likely unheard of for most people, including myself. Well today, I had a “time out”. It was not something I planned. It just happened by accident or should I say “forgetfulness”.

I usually treat myself to breakfast once a week i.e. I go and buy instead of bringing food from home. On my way downstairs, I realized that I had left my phone upstairs. I have made it a habit to carry my phone whenever I go on the elevators, just in case of an emergency. What am I going to do while I wait for my food, I thought? Oh well. I put in my order and went to sit down at a table in the food court. I sat quietly with arms folded. I was going to pray quietly in my head but opted not to. I just sat there with nothing going through my mind. I cannot remember the last time I ever did that.

You see, I am always on the go even when I am not reading the bible, I will be reading some other material relevant to my faith or just praying in my head. Trust me, I do a lot of praying in my head, especially when I am not within the privacy of my home.

Life does not need to be full of rushing around. Take time out to ‘smell the roses” or the “coffee”, that old cliche again, I know. “Be still” says the Word of God. Slow down. Focus on the important things. It was good for me to be separated from my phone for a wee bit. I learnt some precious things in that wee moment. This was an “aha’ moment today.

I will end with Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You” and also Psalm 4:8, “I will both lie down in peace and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety”.

Always remember to take a “time out” for yourself. It is good for your peace of mind.

Yaa F. Attobrah