The Teeter Swing
When I was a little girl, my sister and I had an old metal teeter swing in our backyard. It wasn’t fancy—just two faded seats facing each other, a set of pedals for our feet, and a handlebar to hold on to. We’d sit across from one another, our long dark hair flying in the breeze as we pumped our legs back and forth. The motion was smooth, almost like floating. When one of us pressed down, the other lifted up. It was a perfect rhythm of give and receive.
Sometimes, one of us would slow down, and the swing would lose its glide. But it never stayed still for long—because the other would start pushing again. Before we knew it, we were moving together, laughter filling the air.
Now, when I think back on that old swing, I see a picture of God’s everlasting love. He’s always the steady one, drawing me back with His kindness when I drift too far or lose my strength. His love keeps me moving even when I’ve stopped pushing. It’s not dependent on my effort—it’s held together by His gentle, faithful pull.
Just as my sister’s push brought me back into rhythm, God’s love reaches toward me again and again, inviting me to return to the joy of simply being His child. I don’t have to earn it, match it, or deserve it. I just have to lean into it—trusting that His kindness is strong enough to carry me.
Our relationship with God has its own steady rhythm—a beautiful give and take. We lift our hearts in worship, and He responds with grace. We offer Him our trust, and He supplies our needs in just the right measure. It’s a divine balance of surrender and supply, love flowing both ways in perfect harmony.
When I remember those days on the swing, I remember the carefree feeling of being secure, safe, and loved. That’s the same peace God offers today—a place to rest, to smile, to feel the wind of His presence and the steadiness of His everlasting love.
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” — Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
I searched but was unable to find a photograph of the old swing set we spent so much time on as little girls. Just know it brought us the same type joy pictured in this random little girl’s face.
