Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Stepping Stones: What Tree Will You Fix Your Eyes On?



Transformational Thought

On the playground, there was a round ride that was about 15 feet in diameter, 18 inches off the ground, and you could spin it really fast. It was a lot of fun jumping on and whizzing around. But then I would get so dizzy. One day, I was told if I want to avoid getting dizzy, I should fix my eyes on a certain point (a tree was the easiest) while I was spinning around and I didn’t get dizzy anymore. It worked and then I could really enjoy the ride.

The world is changing faster than we can measure…and that’s an understatement. It is a time of instability, yet we have this yearning for stability, which usually equates with security; for that eternal, invisible reality. Yearning for permanence is a good thing. It will keep us from getting distracted and then dizzy spinning around the ever faster merry-go-round of life.

A lot of times we feel stability or permanence is too predictable, expected, conventional, or even boring. We think spontaneity, surprise, new, different, or unique is more desirable, exciting, stimulating and soothing. Interesting though when we go on vacation, we don’t sleep as well, have some stomach upset with diarrhea or constipation, need a nap, feel a little discombobulated, and then come back home and don’t feel rested. Lots of people bring sleeping pills, Tums, Advil or other meds to help get them through vacation. It’s because we are out of our routine. We lose site of what is steady and true.

Today, if and when you feel you are on wobbly ground, turn to the only place where you will find a firm place to stand. Know He has stood the test of time, is dependable and wants to stabilize your mind and heart. Turn to the one who never changes, your Lord. Seek His wisdom and principles for that situation that is making you a bit dizzy, As you stand on the foundation He has provided, you can watch the world change with an entirely different perspective. Choose Him to be the Lighthouse you focus on and you will not get dizzy, but instead, enjoy the ride of your life.

Prayer
Dear Father, I know that in this time of unrelenting change that You are the one who never changes. You are the Alpha and the Omega. Sometimes my head spins with all the changes in the world going on around me. The more I focus on the changes the more unsteady I become. While I long for stability and permanence I know I will not find it in this world. I turn to You, Father. I know only You can give me a firm place to stand. Draw near to me and my seeking heart. I pray in the name of my Guiding Light, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
Revelation 21:6

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2