The Unforced Rhythm Of Grace
Searching For A Cure From Frustration
by Eric Elkin
“Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Facebook is stealing my soul. Most people who read this statement will do so via Facebook. Thus, the hypocrisy is not lost on me. It only causes me more emotional grief to realize how much I communicate through this platform. Yet, Facebook is robbing me of life, and I am the one allowing it to happen. Worse, I can't seem to stop checking it out.
The Facebook moments I love are when people share pictures of their life. Photos from exotic places and adventures I will never take helps me celebrate the beauty of life. Facebook also allows me to remain connected to people from all the different points in my life. Then there are the birthday greetings and the opportunity to share anniversaries.
Problems arise when people decide to voice their opinions. Truthfully, I don't mind people telling what they believe regardless of whether I agree or not. It is when the view is so thick with hatred that I have a problem. Reading a crude meme laced with anger can destroy my day. The issue becomes more devastating when the person sharing is close to me, and the point they are attacking is dear to my heart.
Would you say these things to my face? Wait, don't answer that question because I don't want to know the answer. Could we be willing to extend each other enough grace to debate our differing views in a spirit of peace? I just want to know if you respect my value as a person more than the anger associated with your opinion. If you can, then we can talk about a whole lot of different opinions together.
“The first job each morning consists in shoving [all other voices] all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”
My children bailed on Facebook a long time ago. They both realized it was robbing them of life. Ever since leaving, they have been infinitely happier. Although every once in a while, they miss being connected to past friends. I am the sole member of the family who remains committed. I remain despite Facebook interaction being responsible for up to 80% of the stress in my life. This is a conservative estimate. I need to leave.
I was reading a passage from the Gospel of Matthew using Eugene Peterson's translation, The Message. In it, Peterson included the line "the unforced rhythms of grace." At first, I didn't know what it meant, but the words themselves formed a phrase that calmed my soul just by reading it. As I delved into the meaning, I realized I am living a forced rhythm of frustration.
Greg Cootsona, who studies science and spirituality, wrote an article about the "unforced rhythms of grace." He writes, "Staying "wired in" too much increases allostatic load, a reading of stress hormones and other threat responses. We are ready with our fight or flight response — great in the past for running away from tigers, but today it creates an artificial sense of constant crisis." The words were like looking into a mirror.
The remedy for those consumed with the forced rhythm of frustration was silence and folding laundry. When we find quiet time, which may be meditation or the simplicity of a mundane chore, we start to let go of information. Removing ourselves from the constant flow of messages allows us to hear the deeper, more powerful voice in our life. Then without realizing it, we will be caught up in the unforced rhythm of grace. I pray you find the strength to let frustration go and open your heart to grace.
Click to read Matthew 11: 25-30
Reflection Questions:
How much are you connected to electronic messages? Email, text, social media
Have you ever tracked the amount of time you spend on all of these in one day?
Have you ever found spiritual renewal in a mundane activity?
Where do you hear the voice of God speaking to you?
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