Riding the Waves: Discovering Your Rhythm Amid Life’s Chaos
BY PASTOR JADY GRIFFIN
HEAD ABOVE WATER
A few years ago, our family lived in San Diego, and I spent nearly every day surfing. Have you ever been swept up in the kind of wave that suddenly reminds you how small you are and how big the ocean is? A wave that’s so strong it takes control of you?
There was a day out surfing when the waves were huge, sixteen or more feet. As my buddies and I paddled out, another guy was paddling and wearing a helmet. A helmet! It hit me that I may not have made the best decision.
Long story short, I failed. I got swallowed up by a wave that took me to the bottom of the ocean and held me there until I could barely hold my breath anymore. Then, just as I reached the surface, another wave smacked me in the face and pushed me back down. I really thought I was going to drown but was finally able to swim up. It is terrifying to think there is nothing you can do to get your head above water.
Maybe you’ve been caught in a wave of life. Between work, family, full schedules, and unending to-do lists, there are days when it feels like we’re fighting to stay above water. We are urgently pulled in so many directions that as more responsibilities crash on top of us, it’s hard to breathe, let alone grow.
WHAT IS BETTER
In Luke 10:38-42, we read the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Both women were in the presence of Jesus, but each chose a different rhythm. Martha was busy with preparations, while Mary simply sat at Jesus's feet, listening to His words.
“Mary has chosen what is better,” Jesus told them (v. 42).
Don’t most of us live our lives like Martha? We are so caught up in our own waves – our tasks, our responsibilities, our distractions – that we often forget to pause, to sit at Jesus's feet and listen.
RHYTHM VS. TEMPO
Here’s a a hard truth: our rhythm in life is our choice. Just like a musician chooses the rhythm to play in a song already set, we can choose to slow down, to simplify, to seek out what is better.
During the pandemic shutdown of 2020, despite the unchanged tempo of work and home responsibilities, a simplified rhythm emerged. This slower pace allowed for a renewed appreciation for what was around us. How quickly after, though, we began to speed up again. What would happen if you chose to slow down?
RENEWAL
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
So, how do we renew our minds? How do we set a new rhythm in the unchanging tempo of our lives?
We start by seeking out spiritual disciplines, setting aside daily time with Jesus. These are not burdens, but gifts from God, exchanging the “old self” for the “new self” a day at a time.
The rhythms of our lives should push us closer to God, shape us into His image, fill our homes with hope, and keep “the main things the main things” in our lives.
WHAT NOW?
Here are some practical questions to help you craft a new rhythm for yourself, you and your spouse, or even your whole family. Grab a sheet of paper and create three columns:
HOW CAN I ADJUST MY RHYTHM…
With GOD?
When will I spend time with Him?
When will I set aside time for personal worship and Bible reading?
When will I dedicate time to prayer, leaning into God's heart?
For ME?
How do I prioritize sleep and exercise?
How do I want to grow this season?
How can I work toward my personal development and growth?
For US?
How am I nurturing my marriage, family, and relationships?
How am I engaging in church life and serving others?