The other day I was having a typical day like any other.  I checked my phone- news droning on aimlessly about whether COVID was increasing or diminishing- whether things were opening up or closing; these decisions pressing on our financial future.  I was discouraged and yet had so many things I could do and needed to do but wanted to do none of them.  Every time I checked my phone it sent me into a spin.

So I paused, closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths focusing.  I heard a simple  invitation, “Stop spinning and sit.” As I reflected on these words, I saw myself as a young child spinning in endless circles until I was so dizzy I could not make out anything around me.  I used to hate that feeling of vertigo.   That was my mind and heart.  Gradually as things slowed down my vision became steadier.  His presence nearby said, “Look all around you, Ed.”  As I did I noticed what I had not seen before- lush green grass, blue sky, wind blowing through the trees, a beautiful peaceful stream- kind of like Psalm 23.  Ah, what beauty was all around me in His presence. “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit…” (I Cor. 2:9-10).  How did I miss all this?

The more I thought about it the more the image of spinning fit.  We are living in times of uncertainty and sometimes chaos.  If I pay attention to the media I spin; sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.  If I think about the fall and the future of schooling for our kids’ education I spin.  If I contemplate the coming election I spin.  If I think about our financial situation I spin.  And I don’t do it alone. As my quarantine partner, my poor wife gets pulled into the spin with me.  Now there are two of us spinning around getting ourselves dizzy.

When I am dizzy I cannot see straight. I miss out on what is happening right before my eyes.  I miss where God is already at work.  I miss out on the life He has put right in front of me.  I don’t know where things are going.  I don’t have any idea what is coming next, but I do know that God does not want me to spin.  He does not want me to lose sight of Him.

So here is what I am going to try:  When I reach for my phone I am going to ask myself, “Will reading this make me spin or help me see straight?”  When I listen to a podcast or watch the news I will query, “Will this help me see straight or will it start me spinning?”  I am going to keep taking pauses throughout my day to stop spinning and sit in His presence.  I am going to reflect on what right now brings me joy and gratitude.  I am going to stay there for a few minutes and accept His invitation: “Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and you will find rest for your souls.”  And you will stop spinning.

Ed Cunningham is a pastoral counselor and life coach at WA.  He can be reached at 657-242-5807 or ed@lifelookcoaching.com for appointments.