Every once in a while Grace, our 11 week old GSP, gets a burst of energy that reminds me of the Tasmanian Devil from the Looney Tunes cartoons. She races around the apartment as fast as her little legs run. She scurries so fast that at times she slides into walls and trips over her own feet doing somersaults while keeping in motion: running. I find I need to get out of the way to let Grace run her course. I plant myself against the wall so as not to get in the path of her burst of energy. Typically, Grace sprints this crazy pattern for a few minutes (okay, often times it is several minutes) and then eventually she settles down. Sometimes, however, I have to pick her up to calm her, slow her down, and settle her little body.
Did you know there is actually a name for this? It is called Zoomies. When animals run an erratic course filled with extraordinary energy, they run zoomies.
Zoomies – A sudden burst of frenetic energy in which an animal (typically a dog or cat) runs to and fro.
This got me thinking. How do we, as humans, run zoomies? Especially, this time of year. What are ways we “run” frenetically” through our moments in life? These bursts of energy might be external and well as internal. Zoomies exist within both the body and soul; an unsettled movement to and fro on the outside and the inside. We live both disturbed and distracted when the zoomies take over.
Let’s consider possible zoomies: Shopping: frantically racing to find the perfect present, the best deal, or the obligatory gift-offering. Seasonal parties: getting all gussied up for an outing with family and friends. Cooking: endeavoring to create delicious food and delectable delights to be enjoyed by family and friends. Sleeplessness: unable to sleep because of a racing mind and beating heart over daily concerns and circumstances. Travel: getting the latest PCR test and battling the crowds at the airport, train station, and along the roadway. Relationships: ruminating upon conversations both gone well or gone awry while endeavoring to strengthen connection. Work: focusing on work commitments 24/7 in order to “enjoy” a few days rest with family and friends. Space-keeping: decorating both home and workplace to reveal seasonal spirit and the true meaning of Christmas. Activities: planning fun-filled experiences to fill many nights of the week. Social-media-ing: compulsively scrolling through and posting on social media. Numerous areas exist in which we might move intently and yet frenetic and hectic attitudes take over and erratic and energetic action take over creating zoomies.
In what areas do you run zoomies within your life? Maybe, identify two or three areas.
When I read in the Bible about the first Christmas, the birth of Jesus Chris, the events seemed pretty calm (Luke 2:1-20). Although traveling to register his family in Bethlehem may have included varying uncertain encounters and moments of unease, Joseph, Mary, and perhaps some livestock, welcomed baby Jesus into the created world in a space set apart. Jesus entered the world in a quiet place surrendered to the sovereignty of God. Jesus’ earthly mother and father found no traditional room for His birth, so they flexed to what was offered; a place among animals with an imagined cradle from an animal feeding trough. The stillness of the evening brought the Life that would change all lives. At the moment of Jesus birth, all was well.
I wonder how to invite the stillness of Jesus’ birth into this season in which we live? What are ways to harness the zoomies that try to overtake us? How can we let the God of the universe pick us up to slow us down so that we can be present to this meaningful time of anticipating the birth of our Lord and Savior?
Take a moment to ponder with the Lord how He might meet you in the midst of the zoomies of your day. What are intentional ways to live calm in this season?
When I run zoomies, I am exhausted and that makes it hard to enjoy Jesus. Fatigue prevents me from fully wondering about and welcoming the magnificence of the Christ Child into my lives. Inviting the peace of God into my mind and heart takes practice and requires intention, but this posture opens my soul to the things of God.
There are a few ways I notice God calming my heart and even picking me up so I slow down. I read and meditate on a chapter from Luke each morning (I am reading one chapter for each day for the month of December – I’ll end Christmas Eve.) I listen to a variety of Christmas music when I drive in the care and when I cook and clean at home. I train and play with Grace everyday. She is learning to sit, potty outside, sit and pray before meals, shake her paw, and play nicely. I gaze at the lights on the Christmas tree each morning as I sit with Grace after she has eaten breakfast. I read a chapter from a Christmas Advent book by A. W. Tozer which has been quite meaningful.
While these practices work together to fill me with the calm and peace of God, what works for you?
We don’t have to live with zoomies in life. Isaiah reminds us that as we set our minds on God, trusting in Him and His ways, we experience peace; perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). When our confidence is in God and not ourselves, others, society, or culture we live with a steady mind which depends upon the God of the universe. Throughout history God has proven himself trustworthy so we can rely on Him and not live frenetically or erratically. The Prince of Peace surely offers serenity to our disturbed and distracted souls so we live steadfast and true with Him.
May this be a time to intentionally halt ourselves. Purposely create margin to live in wonder and welcome our Lord and the celebration of His birth. Enjoy meaningful connection with Him and others.
Catch yourself when you notice you’re running zoomies – slow, still, and savor Jesus, your Savior.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
John 14:26 – 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.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Ink & Willow. Peace, Be Still: A Coloring Book for Rediscovering Rest and Serenity. Colorado Springs, CO. 2021.
Ink & Willow. 40 Days of Intentional Living: A Challenge to Cultivate Faith Through Devotions, Journaling, and Prayer: A Devotional Journal. Colorado Springs, CO 2021.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Twila Paris. Peace Be Still. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag2z0B-f_sw
Laura Story. Perfect Peace. hhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kj8pzDLcc8