A pattern interrupt—my new best friend.  Wished we had been introduced years ago but looking forward to a long, happy relationship.

Taking a day off in the middle of the week without any plans; up at 3 a.m. to drive 3 hours to fly fish on a favorite river; spending time on a Montana ranch, digital free, helping Jon, the old ranch hand, fix the irrigation sprayer—all pattern interrupts where inspiration and creativity thrives.

A pattern interrupt, it changes the way I think; it changes the way I behave.  It takes some risk, some courage, and some humility at times.

For me, it most often involves spending time in nature.  The shape of the land, the trees and vegetation, the rivers and streams cause me to roam and explore in both movement and thought.  I am an outsider—a rebel against the mundane, the ordinary, the routine.

There is a beautiful ancient Hebrew word used in the Book of Psalms, the meaning of which is a bit of a mystery.  Selah—sometimes translated, “to pause in His Presence”.   Selah, the ultimate pattern interrupt. 

Sometimes I just need to break away from the routine and pause in the vastness of God’s Presence.  Where all things are possible, where the pattern of this world is interrupted, and where my mind, body, soul and spirit can be renewed.

When was the last time you experienced a pattern interrupt?

Selah.