Streetlights and Riverbends
Table Talk
Setting the Table
You are welcome here. Come just as you are, bringing whatever is on your heart today. Take a few breaths, and allow yourself to be present in this moment.
Consider the way each day holds new adventures. No matter how much we plan for tomorrow, we never quite know what the day might hold.
“What I love most about rivers is
You can't step in the same river twice
The water's always changing, always flowing
But people, I guess, can't live like that
We all must pay a price
To be safe, we lose our chance of ever knowing
What's around the riverbend
Waiting just around the riverbend…”
― “Just Around the Riverbend”, Disney's Pocahontas
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Food for Thought
A few years ago, I was driving along with my mom in the passenger seat and was stopped at an intersection waiting to turn left. I inched my car toward the middle of the intersection so I could make my turn when there was an opening in the traffic – without getting caught by the red light. Then, from the passenger seat, I hear, “June, don’t move up too much. I can’t see when the light changes.” Amused, I replied, “Mom, why do you need to see when the light changes? I’m the one driving!” As amused as I was, I had to admit to myself that, along with all the admirable traits I’ve acquired from my mother, I got that particular trait in spades – the need for control. My mom laughs when I tease her about it, probably knowing good and well how alike we are.
While there are a few benefits to being just a teensy bit controlling, this tendency also has its share of cons. And I know that allowing my controlling nature to run rampant isn’t healthy. I need to exercise more self-control to get my need to control under control!
Given this propensity, I have recently made a life choice that is really quite shocking – I chose to step away from a job that provided some financial security in order to pursue a, much less secure, passion-driven professional path. While I am very fortunate to have the backing of a loving support system, which has afforded me the freedom to make this move, there are still a lot of unknowns that are both exciting and terrifying.
During this transition, I’ve found myself praying fervently for God’s guidance, while also periodically echoing my mother’s sentiments, ‘Don’t move up too far – I can’t see when the light changes!’ How will I know what’s going to happen? How is all this going to turn out?
Though none of us really knows how life is going to go, no matter how well-planned our plans, many times we like to pretend we have way more control than we do, playing backseat driver with God: ‘No, don’t go down that road – take that road instead. Nevermind, turn off this road.’ ‘Ugh! Look at this traffic jam!’ ‘How fast are you going? Can you slow down please?’
Many of us lack the self-control to just relax into that bucket seat, put our heads back, and kick our feet up on the dash. Too often, we can't fight the urge to reach over and grab a hold of the steering wheel in fear of where the road might be taking us.
I think that, however God is calling me to serve in this new chapter, I cannot do so from a place of fear – constantly seeking control, bracing myself for failure.
When I was younger, I loved the Disney movie, Pocahontas. In Disney’s portrayal of Pocahontas, she is a vibrant, carefree spirit who cartwheels down hillsides and gracefully dives from waterfalls. In the song, “Just Around the Riverbend”, Pocahontas sings about the excitement she feels at the prospect of what new adventures could be heading her way, and how she wishes people could more easily flow and move like the water.
What would it look like for us to embrace that more, to be just a little more go-with-the-flow – to be less like backseat drivers and more like easy rivers?
We all have our own rivers and bends along which God is guiding us. And when we allow ourselves to trust the pull of the current – even though it’s a bit terrifying – we can release the fear and anxiety of wondering where the water is flowing. We stop working so hard to see what’s ahead, and instead, we are able to be more present with God and those around us. When we surrender our need for control and practice a little more self-control, we can fully embrace the excitement for the new adventures headed our way.
Have a day with no agenda, and see where it takes you. Just do one thing at a time, and be open to the way God might be moving you in that moment.
Think of one aspect of your life that could use a little more self-control. Make a list of some ways you can bring a healthier balance to that place. How can you trust God in helping you make this change?
If you would like a printable version of today’s reflection, you can find one in The Traveling Table eBook.
...and don't forget, the eBooks also include printable journaling pages, coloring pages, and Table Talk Cards!
Blessing
Gracious God,
Give us peace. Help us to trust you. Allow our hearts to embrace the world around us and the ways you may be calling us to step out into new possibility.
Amen.
A little Table Talk for your table...
Reflect on some ways that you can incorporate more “self-control” in your own life. What benefits can you already anticipate coming from making this change?
Why can it be hard to let go of our “control”? Is it the unknown? Is it fear of failure? Take a few moments and talk about what might be keeping you from giving up control.
Have you ever had a sudden change in plans that turned out to be better than your original plan? Share a favorite memory that came from allowing yourself to be open to new possibilities.
Try taking it to the Kids Table...
Talk to your child about self-control, how it’s not always easy, but also about the benefits of learning this very important skill.
Ask your kiddos if they have ever had to change plans (maybe they were planning to play outside, but it started to rain). How did it make them feel, and what did they decide to do instead? Were they still able to find ways to have fun?
Talk about flowing rivers and how the water is always changing. Explain how each day is like a river – there is always room for possibility and change.
Meet Our Welcoming Voice!
The Welcome Table Team - We are “The Bunce Girls!” Originally from Lexington, North Carolina, we were raised surrounded by music, justice, and faith. We spent most of our Sunday afternoons gathered around an open table with family and friends where the food was plentiful, stories and laughter connected our hearts, and where the presence of each individual was held sacred. It’s those moments that have inspired The Welcome Table.
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