Staring at the Wall

Staring at the wall….

When I was a child I often stayed with my grandmother during the day while mom and dad were at work. Staying at Granny’s was the best! She always came up with creative things to do. My favorite was easily when she would make a tent in the living room with a sheet and the kitchen table chairs. I’m not sure why this is so interesting as a kid. Perhaps you’ve done the same. Maybe it’s the creative juices that start flowing when you escape to your own little world where anything is possible.

A close second favorite for me would have to be when she let me braid her hair. Well… when you’re four it’s probably more like twisting someone’s hair. Sorry Granny! I’m sure the tangles were not pleasant to deal with, but you were always gorgeous in my mind when we finished.

There were also many times I remember sitting on the floor cutting tiny scraps of fabric to make my own creations as Granny worked on her latest sewing project. In the background there was usually the sound of the Dixie Gospel Caravan on WDJC playing on the radio. Anyone else remember that show? I can hear the piano runs now!

I don’t really remember ever watching TV there, but there was never a dull moment or lack of something to do.

In fact, the most dreaded part of the day was when all activities stopped for nap time! I never wanted to take a nap. Despite my best attempts to convince her otherwise, an afternoon nap was almost always on the agenda. (Man, I’d love to have the opportunity for one each day now!)

How could I possibly sleep when there were so many fun things to do? So many things to think about and imagine? The tossing, the turning, the wiggling, the asking to play some more… all for naught. My wise grandmother had a trick. When she would lay me down for a nap on one of the twin beds in the back bedroom, she would have me turn with my face toward the wall. Carefully picking out an interesting spot on the wall, she would have me stare at it. Although it felt like an eternity, in just a matter of minutes my mind and body settled and I quietly drifted off to sleep.

So, you might be thinking or wondering why I would tell a story about staring at the wall.

As an adult I often find myself caught up in the activities and stressors around me. The angst, the worries, and the fears of the day. What has to be done? Who will take care of this or that? How will we ever accomplish a particular task? My imagination of how things will unfold runs wild.

Ever felt that way? I sure have.

Similar to my wise grandmother, God gives us a solution.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

When we are overwhelmed. When we are overcome by our thoughts. All we need is to do is focus on God. Quiet our minds. Put away the distractions. Look to Him. Rest in His goodness.

He is in control. He is God.

One of my favorite quotes lately is from Lysa Terkeurst.

God is good.

God is good to me.

God is good at being God.

Today that is a welcome reminder.