Last evening we were sitting outside on the patio when an insect (or what appeared to be a large insect) arrived, hovering over the flower garden. Getting up to inspect more closely, we discovered it to be a baby hummingbird collecting nectar. We were awed. Inside myself, I felt joy, admiration, sweetness as we watched this precious busy little creature.
Minutes later a doe and her baby walked out of our woods. Crossing to the west fields, the mother sauntered on while the baby danced along, smelling this and looking at that, innocent and carefree.
The combination of these moments filled me with passion and joy and appreciation for God’s handiwork. My heart was devoid of anger or frustration. Instead, my body, heart and soul were filled to overflowing with awe and contentment.
Adversely, should irritating events or disgruntled people assail my peace, given enough clout (influence, power and time), sharp jagged heated internal changes occur. Spiritual and emotional indigestion. The pot of anger begins to boil and if left unattended it will boil over, and an overflowing of discontented thoughts, conclusions and words will occur.
Out of those two state-of-mind and heart examples, which would you prefer?
In the first, we are recognizing and appreciating God’s gifts. We are at peace with ourselves and others.
In the second, we are ingesting worldly excreta to undermine our peace and joy, turning our insides into a dark churning stinky mess. And if we are feeling nasty on the inside, we will treat others nastily.
It is often said that we choose our spiritual and mental condition. WHAT? Yes, we choose the condition of our life when we choose our reigning thoughts and outside inputs that we ingest/receive/accept. What have we been thinking about? What have we been exposing ourselves to? Of what negative inner dialog have we been entertaining? What has been our cognitive and emotional diet?
I attended a cancer treatment center years ago that offered laughter and art therapy classes. They taught us about the clinical importance of partaking-of laughter, creation, beauty, friendship, awe, admiration, joy… etc. There is healing power in each of these.
Phillipians 4:8, “Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.”
Have you been irritable today? What have you been consuming? Consider changes.
Have you been joyful? Great! Offer praise to God and congratulate yourself on good choices! Repeat tomorrow!
Lord, You always provide the answers for healthy, joyful living. May we be more aware of our daily diet and may we make good choices. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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