Tuesday With Teri

I am a dweller.  Once something troubles me, I tend to dwell on it internally, silently, anxiously, unproductively…It is a peace-stealing, joy-robbing practice.  I will rework scenarios, fret about things I do not control, and spiral into a world of “if only” and “what if.”  My dweller tendencies can be overwhelming when world, national, local, and personal situations flood my thoughts.

I recently heard a pastor share this version of a quote:

“Thoughts are like waves, we can’t stop them from coming but we can choose which ones to surf.”.    

I had not been “choosing which ones to surf”, instead I’d been getting knocked over and tumbled by these waves.  You know the ones I am referring to, often resulting in wardrobe malfunctions or near drowning in shallow waters.  In quiet mornings, mid-day moments, and sleep-challenged nights, the dweller within me was taking on every wave, every thought, as if it was mine to conquer.  Fear, uncertainty, sorrow, anger, and guilt pummeled me like crashing waves.  I’ve recently refocused on the words, “…choose which ones to surf.” It was time to take my thoughts captive and let some of those “waves” pass.

“Pulling Back” is surfer slang for letting someone else take a wave or deciding to let a wave you’ve paddled after go to someone else.   Thoughts and feelings are important, but I have found renewed value in choosing those which are worthy of my time and heart space. Oh, I may still easily fall back into my dwelling ways, but I am learning to surf, and more importanlty I am learning the art and wisdom of Pulling Back. After all, my God is the ultimate Big Kahuna and He is in control.

“For in Him all things were created:things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all thingas have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colosians 1:16-17

Not all waves are mine to surf.