My husband and I are the owners of two, thirteen-year-old hound mixes. We enjoy our daily walks with them…no, actually, it is a stroll. Sam prefers to trot, but Frodo can barely move and sits down for a breather every block or so. Just in case you are wondering why we still take Frodo for strolls, he is very restless until we put on his harness and open the front door every morning. This activity has been part of their routine for over a decade and he can’t seem to realize he would be better off just using the doggy door for his frequent elimination needs and leave the exercise to his brother. We have tried to leave Frodo home and take Sam but the whole neighborhood is alerted to the mistreatment of this animal due to his pitiful howls and cries! We can’t take his pitiful protests, so we’ve given in and allow him to join his brother.
When the boys were younger, they were on full alert for every living creature that sported a tail. A leaping hasenpfeffer was to them an open invitation to bolt. This natural drive to hunt also demanded this two-legged Homo Sapiens remain on red alert. I learned the hard way (back-end meets concrete) that these two fifty-pound dogs moved swiftly whenever the possibility of a successful catch was within their reach. Fast forward to today. I no longer need to be on the lookout for doggy distractions during our daily adventures, I have noticed my eyes and my mind inevitably wander to a dark but familiar place. Oh, there certainly are times my mind is able to take in the beauty, smells, and sounds of this planet we call home. I spend our walk-time thanking our loving Father for this blue ball that offers a peek into His creativity. I can see the synchronicity of the seasons and the sweet smells and sounds of the outdoors. But, I confess at other times, I experience unwelcome thoughts and harsh judgments regarding the landscaping abilities of those whose home’s I pass. I critique paint choices, design and the need for grass seed on bald spots on our similar postage size lots. I shake an internal finger at weeds left unpulled and flowers that need a sip of water. I invite myself to be the judge and jury of those around me.
Thoughts are powerful. They are the seed from which every behavior, every action, and every attitude rise. Our loving Father teaches us that He is our Creator. Psalms 139: 13 states “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb”. As our Creator, He knew our minds could be used for His glory and our good. But, because we have been given a choice of how to live, our mind also offers the potential to create pain and havoc in our lives and those around us if our thoughts are left unchecked. Harsh or judgemental words are born directly out of thought. Destructive behavior is a consequence of unbridled thoughts.
But we have not been left to navigate this powerful force without guidance from our Maker. He provides insight and gave us a Redeemer who modeled a life well-lived. There are so many passages in the scriptures that direct us regarding what we allow to enter and remain in our minds.
“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 such things” Philippians 4:8
“In your relationships, with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”. Philippians 2:5
“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will”. Romans 12:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. Colossians 3:2
So fellow travelers, join me in embracing the Word of God; join me in grafting The Creator’s truth, into our hearts and minds that we may become more kind and loving. That we may become a clearer reflection of Him. That those too often judgmental thoughts may be turned into expressions of gratitude and praise.
Shalom,
Karen
Great message.