barometer: n. An instrument for measuring
atmospheric pressure. Something which reflects changes in circumstances or
opinions.
The
rocking chair slowed from a frenetic pace to one of leisure. That was when I
realized I had calmed down and was at peace.
The rocker has been part of my
life for over twenty years. I bought it when I became a grandmother. I wanted
to have a rocking chair where I could cuddle and rock my grandbabies. At the
top of my list of requirements was that it be solid and well-made, able to
withstand the rambunctious toddler stage as well. A worthwhile purchase, the
chair has survived as a silent reminder of hours spent with five precious
little girls, now young women.
The original navy cushions have
been replaced with ones of rich gold and rust. The comfort I found in my
rocking chair with my grandgirls, however, has not gone anywhere. The rhythmic
motion of rocking continues to soothe my soul.
My days begin in that rocker. I
have a morning ritual that includes drinking healthy beverages, including a smoothy
made of greens and fruits. As I sit, sipping my elixirs, I check my electronic
devices. The gamut runs from perusing social media and reading any messages sent
my way to doing a search for answers to questions such as, “How much did it
rain last night?”
Yesterday was an awful day, an
interminable one. I could have sworn it was “The Day Without End.” My head gyrated
with worry. Superfluous thoughts and details over which I have no control
filled my mind to overflowing. I headed out the door for a walk. Walking in the
fresh air is often a source of mental and spiritual renewal, the result of
introspection and time alone with my Heavenly Father.
That didn’t happen. As I walked, I
felt a sensation on the side of my right knee. Immediately I stepped into that
place in my mind where nothing good happens. I don’t want surgery. How am I going to be able to work if I can’t
walk? That was just the beginning. I escalated into a full-blown “worst
case scenario.” Fear took over. I slowed my pace, exercising caution as I
walked along oh-so-carefully. I was certain an appointment with a surgeon awaited
me around the next turn.
Arriving back home after a most
uninspiring walk, I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening trying to not
think about that specific body part in the middle of my leg—the one that bends
but also helps hold me upright. You know how well that flies, don’t you? My knee was all I could think about. I was unable to find the focus I needed to
deal with it before God.
Watching television was meant to
be a distraction, but the real distraction was the status of “the knee.” Did it
hurt? Did I feel any pain when I moved it? What was THAT twinge? The news
of the current political climate in our country only exacerbated my sense of
helplessness and fear. Oh, the lunacy of us humans.
As I headed for bed I finally
stopped spinning in circles. I was then able to hand over my concerns to God,
those affecting my personal life as well as the state of the world. His silence
was deafening. Where are you? I don’t see
you or hear you. I don’t feel you was my last thought as I fell asleep.
In the world of meteorology, the
weather field, barometers are used to measure pressure in the atmosphere. Changes
in air pressure help weather forecasters predict shifts in the weather. If the
pressure increases, that often means the air is warming and skies are clearing.
Plans can be made for outdoor activities, since nice weather is on the way.
Decreasing pressure often means the air is cooling and moisture is condensing
in the air, forming clouds. Here comes the rain!
I
have my own barometer, but it isn’t related to the weather. It is connected to
my inner being and is an accurate indicator of whether I am living in the peace
provided by my Heavenly Father, or the chaos of the world. That barometer is my
rocking chair. Its measure is the speed with which I rock.
I hope
this isn’t another day like yesterday was my thought as I awakened and
began my morning ritual. I did not
realize I was rocking so fast there was a potential for motion sickness—that
is, until I slowed down. As the pace slowed, I realized I had entered a place
of peace.
My knee has improved, though it
wasn’t the sole contributor to my state of despair and discombobulation the day
before. Life as we know it has been tossed up in the air due to a global
pandemic and a politically divided country. What we are going to find when the
dust settles? I can attest to the fact that trying to figure that out leads
nowhere.
“The Day Without End” did not come to a quiet
close. A major storm passed through my area, dumping large amounts of rain. I
would have seen the change in air pressure, evidence of its coming…if I had a
barometer.
A storm of a different type also passed
through my life, creating unrest. The intensity and force of it threatened to
upend me. That didn’t take place. My rocking chair barometer bore that out, both
as the storm came… and went. I am at peace. That is--until the next storm
passes through. My Heavenly Father continues working with me in love.
Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give to you.
I do not
give to you as the world gives.
Do not
let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
John
14:27