Spinning Plates

I have this vivid memory from my childhood of the circus. Sitting under the Big Top felt magical. There were clowns, acrobats, women twirling in the sky, the flying trapeze and, of course, that daring man surrounded by dangerous lions! I was enthralled. There was one act in particular, though, that has stuck with me through the years: the man and the spinning plates.

Now this man would set a stick on the ground, and he’d put a plate on top of the stick and spin it. In my young mind that was pretty impressive, for I knew I surely couldn’t do it (though my mother probably hid the good china when we got home). But he didn’t stop with just one plate. He kept adding stick after stick, plate after plate, until he had nearly a dozen plates spinning simultaneously on these sticks. He would run like a crazy man back and forth between all these plates to keep them spinning so they wouldn’t break. Invariably some did, but he’d just grab another plate and keep going. I was fascinated!

I think this memory has stayed with me because, in many ways, life can feel just like that plate-spinning act. We rush from one responsibility to the next—family, work, relationships—trying to keep everything balanced and in motion. But no matter how hard we try, we eventually drop a plate or two. It’s exhausting, unsustainable, and no amount of effort can make it perfect.

One of the most freeing moments in my life was when I quit trying to spin the plates in my life and started letting God spin them for me. I just let go and knew my job was simply to show up with a willing heart and a desire to give my best. God’s job was to keep the plates spinning and produce the outcome.

Sometimes He allows a plate to crash because I’ve taken on too much. It’s hard initially, but always the right choice long term. Sometimes He’ll use a wobbling plate to teach me about surrender and trust since my instinct is to want to run over and quickly spin it again. Sometimes He’ll add a plate I really didn’t want added, but it ends up becoming a huge blessing in my life.

So now I don’t chase around keeping up with my plates in life – family, work, love, friendship, money, success, hobbies, etc. I pray and offer them up to God. I’m present and I show up, but I let God direct the rest. It’s not always easy; I still find I want to rush in and fix it myself when I see a plate wobbling. Or feel anxiety or pain wash over me when God is ready to remove a plate I wanted to keep hold of. When a plate crashes, I have to trust God alone knows how to fix or remove those pieces. But it’s worth the internal battle to keep those plates out of my hands!

So why go through the effort of letting go? The answer lies in the peace only God can give. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:4-7).

That kind of peace doesn’t come from perfect balance or spinning every plate just right. It comes from releasing what was never ours to carry in the first place. May you step into this week with a little less striving, a little more trust—and the priceless peace only God can give.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

Do you have any "spinning plates" in your life? What is the one plate you are most tempted to want to keep in control of? What drives you to want to keep spinning it on your own? How does this add anxiety to your life?

This week, I’d like to encourage you to pray about letting go of this plate and laying it in God’s hands. Ask Him for the strength to let go and trust His outcome, even if He lets the plate crash. I’d love to hear about what you’ve learned through this process so feel free to post on Facebook.com/thedentedfender or email me at barb@thedentedfender.com.

PRAYER

Lord, I love your heart. You lead me besides quiet waters and lay me down in green pastures. You direct me to the right paths for your name's sake. The anxiety, fear and stress I put on myself are not of you. Your desire is for me to experience greater love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness. Forgive me when I don't look to you for direction on the plates in my life. Thank you for knowing better than I how to use all of it for my good. And thank you especially for the times of refreshing that come from trusting in You. Guide me today for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Curious to see spinning plates for yourself? Check this out: https://youtu.be/ETiwMTENG8g?si=wvBJDl8Vt7rNzVt2

Missed Tea Time Tuesday? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/ihxuX7NZoqk?si=xW4BJbXAA5USUrZu

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.

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