What's in a Swirl

One day when I sat down to start a visual prayer I was feeling aimless, insecure, like I didn’t have a center, clear purpose. I knew it was probably because I was used to a structured schedule with working, being a mom and accommodating other people’s schedules, but I still felt that way.

I didn’t know where to start, so after I quieted my mind and focused on God I let go, picked up my pen and began drawing my favorite shape in the center of my paper: a swirl or spiral. I thought, "See you don’t have a center, you just keep going around and ‘round" (inner critic, bah!). Then the spiral closed to my surprise. A center. Then came the cross and then more spirals that formed flame shapes (probably my next favorite shape). The flames were reaching, radiating, dancing outward. Circles with dots were added last and I knew I was finished.

Now came the asking what it meant. I began to feel encouraged. What I do each day is important and part of who I am, the center. My faith is the framework to my identity and is symbolized by the cross. The flames are the work of the Spirit working beyond myself, but also in and through me. Now I was getting excited. It’s just lines and shapes, but to me it was a love note or personal logo from my Father in a language I understand.

“Lord, help me see You, feel You, love You in the daily, ordinary things. Turn my concerns and worries to hope in You. TRUST!”

The image meant so much to me I put on the cover of my current prayer book with my current life-theme: