Ever been to one of those stage shows where there is someone trying to get as many plates spinning at one time as possible? Usually those plates are on top of gravity-defying poles, or stacked taller than a human. Watching those shows leaves you breathless and wondering how they do it? How do they keep up? How do they get them all balanced correctly? How often do they drop a plate?
I have to admit – I’m a plate spinner. No – not an actual plate spinner. If I tried it for real my husband would be miffed at the number of plates we were replacing. But I am a spinner of plates metaphorically. Most days leave me breathless, wondering how to do it? How to keep up, stay balanced, and hoping not to drop anything. Can I get a witness??
Mark 6:30-32 (NIV) says,
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
Being a plate-spinning woman can be a real challenge. When my job requires a lot of attention (most days) I have to have my cup of coffee to keep up (at least that’s my excuse). Even more, when my kids want my attention, they don’t want me to be spinning 2 other plates while talking to them. They want undivided attention. Whatever the case, there never seems to be enough hours in a day to get everything on the “to do” list accomplished, nor enough hours at night to get sufficient rest.
In Mark we read that the apostles were busy, busy, busy, too. So busy, in fact, that they hadn’t even taken the time to get a meal (boy, do I know about that one!!). In response, Jesus encouraged them to get away. To take some time to rest and rejuvinate. That same invitation is extended to you and me.
God wants us to pause our plate-spinning and be his captive audience for a minute. He wants you to dwell in His presence (Ps. 84:4), be still in his presence (Ps. 46:10), to worship Him in Spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24), to be found by His grace (1 Cor. 15:10) - to find rest (Mt. 11:28). He wants your full attention. Just as my kids don’t want me to spin several plates at the same time that I’m spending with them, neither does our Heavenly father.
My prayer today is that God would be your peacegiver, your place of rest, and your sustainer. Take some time to read Psalm 103 and be blessed!
In their eyes every bowl of mac and cheese is worthy of a 5 star rating and even in my non-matching pajamas they claim I am “bee-yootiful.” This is one of the many perks of being a mom. If there is ever a dinnertime conversation in which my husband and I have different opinions, the kids always take my side. Always. My husband is often baffled by the lack of allegiance on his side, but my daughter just rolls her eyes at him and says, “Mommy is the boss.” Sigh. I love being the boss. My husband doesn’t take my promotion very seriously, but then again, I do wear non-matching pajamas. In my defense, it’s a tough job being the boss, so I like to be comfortable. 
