You've Got Rhythm! by Meryl McKean

 

My grandson has rhythm, he is always looking for drumsticks and if he can’t find any he will improvise with pens, sticks, cutlery… He will use whatever surface is available to create a rhythm – the bin, a table, a cardboard box. He is only 3 but he understands rhythm. He is now the proud owner of a small set of drums. Not sure how happy his neighbours are!

Rhythm is something built into our lives to a certain extent. The changing seasons, day and night, regular meals to name a few. God built rhythm into creation when he set aside one day in seven to rest.

I was walking along the beach recently, listening to the gentle wash of the waves. It formed the background to my walk; a regular rhythm that I could tune into or just allow it to be there. I’m sure that is one reason so many are drawn to the sea, whether it is a fierce pounding or a gentle pulling of the shingle, it is a soothing  rhythm that can be both calming and inspiring.

I’m sure many of you have rhythms as writers that help to provide structure to your writing days. Whether it is a regular cup of coffee, a treat at the end of writing a certain number of words, or a lunchtime walk.

In the psalms we find the little word selah cropping up quite regularly. For example in Psalm 3, it occurs three times. All these at important transitional moments.
See this example in verses 1 – 3 NKJV

‘Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
² Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.” Selah

³ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.’

Selah means pause in a song, but can also be translated as ‘pause in his presence or pause to reflect. Here the psalmist David takes a moment to make a shift, to recognise and look to God. What follows carries a different tone. He is focusing on who God is rather than his circumstances. He is introducing a rhythm of focusing on God at regular moments which has a positive outcome.

I’m not one for New Year Resolutions but I would like this year to work on the rhythms in my life. To introduce some regular rhythms of writing that are not just for work and to be intentional in taking moments during my day to pause and give thanks to God for something specific. Taking those regular moments of reflection will certainly produce quieter rhythms than my Grandson’s!
Are there rhythms that are helpful to you or that you’d like to work on this year?

Bio

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. Recently she was encouraged being placed 3rd in an ACW competition. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford where she loves exploring the countryside with her camera in hand. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.