Thinking About Thinking

Recently, I was challenged to make two lists. The first list was a list of everything positive in my life. I found this fairly easy as I listed off my marriage, all three of my children, their health, my health, my mother and her health, a job that pays well, a home that is more than comfortable, new friends, old friends, renewed friends, babies being born, etc, etc. The second list that I was to write out was a list of everything negative. This list, unfortunately was just as easy to fill out with the radical change of a close friendship, my son needing a job, concern over my mom walking, and the time it takes my husband to do his homework for his Master's degree. I was pleasantly surprised that the list of positives out weighed the list of negatives. However, I was then challenged to look closely at both lists and pay close attention to which list occupied the majority of my thought life. Oohhh, I did not like what I saw. Certainly, the negative list was more often in my thoughts and even though I THOUGHT was praying about them, I was really worrying about them. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A man is what he thinks about all day long." Wow! No wonder I struggle so!

Another resolve! Change this problem in thought life...IMMEDIATELY! Not that I want to blow off every negative thing that needs prayer and petition, but I will practice letting go and letting God! Be transformed by the renewing of my mind.

Finally, (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 such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,

or seen in me—

put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

~Philippians 4:8-9

Just thinking,

Liz