You know those merry-go-rounds that used to be on playgrounds? The kind where you would run as fast as you could to push it and get it going, then jump onto the spinning contraption and hang on for dear life?

That’s what my life has been feeling like, constantly spinning, so fast that I can hardly see the landscape as it whizzes by. I find myself dizzy and just trying to hang on tight enough so it doesn’t throw me off when it finds me in a weak moment. So you know what I’m going to do?

Step off the thing for a while of my own accord.

I’m going to get my feet on some solid ground by doing one of the things that most helps me gain some purchase and perspective. I’m going to go see my kiddos and become one myself for a while.

I’m going to slow down. Color. Play. Sing songs. Play. Read stories. Play. Laugh. And, well, play.

I’m going to cuddle. Watch movies. Cuddle. Eat snacks. Cuddle. Learn something new. And well, cuddle.

While I’m a kid, I’m going to get a punch in the arm of wonder, a restoration of innocence, and a big dose of faith when I remember how to easily believe in the things I cannot see. It’s a good thing, too, because these are the things that make up the center of the merry-go-round of life, the place that, if you hang on there, keeps you grounded from the forces against you that want to spin you off.

I’ll have to jump back on again next week, but I’ll be stronger and more centered. I’ll be the smartest kid on the playground, going straight to the Middle of that crazy contraption, right where I belong.

And hanging on for dear life.

“God is our refuge and strength…” Psalm 46:1 ESV

“For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.” Matthew 18:2-5 MSG

“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62:6 NLT