Welcome to the Week 2 of Advent: Together.  Below, you will find art, music, and writing created by our YWAM San Diego/Baja staff around the theme of Peace.  This theme is the focus of the second week of Advent.  Interact with this collection as you feel led this week.  Join our YWAM staff and ministry community as we ponder the peace of this Advent season.

The Swing of Trust

by Adriana Antunes

At the end of each afternoon, I used to take my two children to the playground. Just a year and a half apart, they were inseparable, though there were always disputes and little quarrels. There, among slides, climbing bars, and imaginary adventures, they challenged each other, laughed, and burned off energy. But there was one specific game that always seemed to spark some drama: the swing.

Both of them loved swinging, but disputes over taking turns were inevitable. To avoid conflicts, we agreed that one would sit while the other pushed, and then they would switch. It was an opportunity to teach values like patience and respect, although things didn’t always go as planned.

My younger son, who was 4 at the time, had a complicated relationship with this dynamic. Whenever it was his older brother’s turn to push him, some sort of misunderstanding would arise. The game, which was supposed to be fun, often ended in tears or an indignant complaint. That’s when I realized that, in reality, he didn’t feel secure. His brother’s push, perhaps more impulsive or energetic, didn’t inspire trust.

When I took over the task, everything changed. I would stand behind him, place my hands firmly on the seat, and start pushing gently, gradually increasing the force. He would break into a big smile and, in no time, shout, “Higher, Mommy! Higher!” There was no more fear, only trust. He knew I was there, that I would never let him fall.

As I pushed him, I realized how that moment reflected something greater: the peace we feel in our relationship with God. Even when the “flights” are higher than we expect, knowing Who is behind the swing makes all the difference. The certainty that He is there, watching over everything, allows us to rest securely, knowing that nothing happens without His permission and care.

Sometimes, we try to move forward on our own or trust those who don’t have the same care for us as God does, and we end up feeling insecure and full of fear. But when we give Him control, we find the peace that surpasses all understanding. Just as my son would say, “Higher!” We can ask God to take us further, with the assurance that He will never let us fall.

That day, when the swing stopped and my children went back to playing together, I stayed there for a moment, giving thanks. Life can be full of challenges, but what a privilege it is to know that, in the midst of it all, we have a Father who is behind every push, ensuring our safety. The Word reminds us in Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

As we walked home, with both of them exhausted and laughing at their invented stories, I realized the playground wasn’t just a place of fun for them. It was also a space where God, in a subtle and loving way, was teaching me about trust, care, and love.

Prayer:

“Loving Father, thank You for being my security and my rest. Help me to trust in You like a child trusts their parents. Even when life pushes me, give me the certainty that You are behind it all, taking care of me. May I always live delighting in Your peace and love. Amen.”

This album was written and recorded in 2021 by students for our School of Worship at our Ensenada campus - Enjoy

We hope you have enjoyed week 2 of, “Advent: Together”

We look forward to sharing more inspiration next week