My Rocking Chair Barometer and Worry

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