I don’t hear the word very often anymore, but oscillating fans were popular when I was younger. A simple graphic I recently saw stuck with me. I searched for it, unsuccessfully, but it had an image of an old-style fan, and it simply said, “I oscillate.”
At the time, with the variety of topics and issues surrounding me, I thought, “Me, too. Me. Too.”
I’ve thought about it several times since. What exactly do I mean when I say I oscillate? Ironically, it’s difficult to capture, just as the ever-moving directional breeze of the oscillating fan is difficult to catch.
Oscillating isn’t haphazard. It’s not going back and forth between two opposing ideas. When I oscillate, I don’t waffle or flip flop. The process is more intentional and steady. Oscillating has boundaries, yet it’s not rigid. It doesn’t get stuck, but it also maintains some control. It doesn’t unexpectedly change input. The angle might change, but the general direction does not. The fan doesn’t suddenly start sucking air instead of blowing it. Each side continues with its respective purpose.
I oscillate. and I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I invite you to do the same. Instead of blowing air in one direction, share it a little. Shift your impact and perspective a little. Know your boundaries, but do the most good. And doing the most good requires being a bit flexible, being willing to learn and experience, sharing right to the edge of the comfort zone.
We too easily become stuck. Many times we don’t realize it. If we realize we’re stuck, we sometimes radically shift as a knee-jerk reaction, as if we move the fan to a completely different location—then promptly get stuck again, although at least now, we claim we’re not stuck because of we’re not where we were.
It might be a good time to examine where you are, how intentional you are in your boundaries and directions of impact, and how flexible you are in change.
Excellent description of life for me right now. Work mode on the days I work. At home is a challenge because I divide my time between sending cards (birthdays, thinking of you, and sympathy ), household chores, and still dealing with the flotsam and jetsam left over from a garage sale at my mother’s house. (This has been a long slow slog.)
And devotional time is so important right now. Being intentional about focusing on His word and thankful for technology that allows me to do Bible studies online. (In person never worked well for me because of my work schedule.)
“Long slow slog” is a powerful description, and I think many can relate, not necessarily to your specific circumstances but just the oddities and frustrations of this season. I am so grateful you continue to seek and prioritize devotional time. It is so very important, and I know of many who are setting it aside for a variety of reasons. I have learned the hard way that just makes us more vulnerable and discouraged. My life has had a couple transitions recently that afford me a bit more time to focus on solitude, reflection, and study, and I am so very thankful.
I have to really carve time out, and let go of other things. The fact that all social activities are at a standstill has been a blessing in disguise. Praying for you in your circumstances.
Amen. Thanks!