Musings

When everything just spins

October 11, 2013

Lost in the Spin

Sometimes I just wake up and life looks like this. It’s as if the spinning started in my sleep. Anxiety and angst disorient me the moment I plant my feet on the floor. I don’t want it to be this way. In fact, days before I had a wonderful breakthrough. I had heard some gentle and guiding words from God and I chatted like a bird during our walk the night before. Chris listened patiently as I shared the things I had heard from God and how I felt it was playing out in my world. He smiled a calm but genuine smile as I rambled on about order  and how I felt I belonged, really belonged to the Father. He was going to order me. Not my world, but me, in his perfect way. God had told me how to pray.

But today that peace and sense of belonging is far far away. My insides churn as I squeeze out short prayers to God. My house is a mess. Every corner and crevice is cluttered and speaking ugly things to me about my value. I cannot listen. I find my red skippies buried in a disheveled closet and tie the laces while Janey watches me closely. “Let’s go outside” I tell her grabbing my camera on the way out.

I have to find peace.

The path that leads into the woods is overgrown and looks like a picture of my life. Nothing seems clear. I pray again the scripture that I have prayed consistently for three months. “Lead me in paths of righteousness for your namesake.” I don’t know which way to go with my life right now.

So I count the things I do know. I count the gifts he has given me. 1. Red skippies. 2. Red barn. 3. Leaves that curl and wisp over the earth. 4. Leaves lit by sunlight creating a stained glass cathedral in the woods. 5. The cool dirt and how I feel connected to God when I sit right down in it. 6. Puppies and horses. 7. Muscadines, ripe and sweet.

Little Red Barn

Skippy Girl

Saying Hello

Stained Glass Cathedral

Leaves that Curl

Sweet Muscadines

As I begin to concentrate on what I know and what I have, the snide voices hush quiet in the face of worship. They cannot stand in that place. I make my way to the rope swing and Janey follows close behind. She is always with me. I hop onto the swing and the chase begins. I swing and she runs after me, nipping at my skippies. I giggle like a little girl. It’s just me and Janey in the backyard and I am laughing until I cry. And then I really cry.  As I whirl around, I cling to the rope and look up. Even though everything is revolving around me, I am tethered to a source that does not spin out of control. I realize this is how my day really began. Yes, things felt chaotic, but I was held, tethered, to a God who does not change.

With this thought in mind, I know that I have to purpose myself to rest in the ride. I don’t have to feel in control or see all the wonderful outcomes in real time. I just have to trust the One who does. I hold onto the rope knowing that it is I who is truly held.

I do not have to be afraid. I can enjoy the ride.

Psalm 62:1,2 ~ “I find my rest in God alone. He is the One who saves me. He alone is my rock. He is the One who saves me. He is like a fort to me. I will always be secure.”

Rest in the Ride

Let the World Spin

Chased by Mercy

Tethered

 

 

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9 Comments

  • Reply Gayle October 11, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    How your blog today totally captured what is going on in my heart in my own spinning world, hoping it is mercy that is chasing me, holding me. Knowing it has to be. Praying for that window in heaven to open to me today and give me a glimpse of glory, hope and promise that I so desperately need right now.

  • Reply Jill Carpenter October 11, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    Your photos make me smile and always bless me along with your beautiful words of wisdom and encouragement!
    TODAY is just what I needed to read!
    THANKS for sharing your talents and truths!

  • Reply Flora October 12, 2013 at 8:01 am

    Love Love Love

  • Reply cmo October 12, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Very well said Sunshine.

  • Reply Rozy McCormick October 12, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    This was perfectly Mary Anne and a scrumptious piece of art for the soul. Thank you. This is soul food 🙂 you go girl.

  • Reply keisha valentina October 14, 2013 at 10:31 am

    You have no idea how much this means to me this morning. Been reeling for months in my own anxiety and fear. So few speak of the battle so clearly. I thank god for your words and the equally healing pictures. Just… Thank you.

    • Reply Marge zeltwanger August 16, 2015 at 9:14 am

      Thank you thank you for sharing my own heart

  • Reply Gale Weithers October 28, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    Honestly, am happy to know that even when my world is spinning out of control I am still tethered (even though I admit I am finding it difficult to rest in the ride). Thanks for sharing. Your photos are beautiful!

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