Spinning Top

Are you being pulled in too many directions?

Does a refuge seem like a luxury beyond your reach?

Life can leave us wondering what happened to the time; it’s not uncommon for us to run until we feel ragged and to do things until we are undone; and we are more than capable of becoming both weary and teary.  And worse, we can normalize each of these.

I wrote the following poem to explain or teach the difference between experiencing divine rest and finding divine refuge. Both are needed, and both are provided in God’s providential care.

Rest is so much more than a nap (although it can include a nap), and refuge is so much more than a mere escape or a hiding place. Further, neither is solely dependent on outward variables.  As God’s beloved children, we find that rest and refuge take root and grow in the bedrock of our faith. They take place in the soul and are part of our soul care.

Within a story that is simply busy, alongside a schedule that is demanding, or within a trial that is ineffable, we can experience God’s rest and His refuge, because God is always, fully Himself.  He is our rest, and He is our refuge.

The world pulls at me.
 
My schedule, the situation, a circumstance, finances,
a family member, a trial, responsibilities, others -- all pull.

I am like a toy top with a string; I am being pulled.

Constantly pulled; constantly spinning.

God comes along and carefully, lovingly rewinds the string.
                   
In His care, I am refreshed. Encouraged. Rested.

Then, with benevolent care, the Almighty puts the top in His pocket!
                 
--- He is my refuge.

Big Love,
Jo

A Message for You

Friend, regardless of our need for rest or refuge, God provides and offers both lovingly and faithfully. It’s as though He knew we’d need a place to turn when the schedule was exhausting or the daily demands overwhelming.  In life when we are pulled, He draws us near providing a place of compassion and understanding; a place where what’s going on with us is addressed with a care that leaves us refreshed and protected.  Consider the spinning top illustration and let it change your outlook. Keep it in your heart and turn it into a prayer.

Start the conversation. What do you need to tell God? What do you need to hear from Him?