Finally, brothers, 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.
Phil. 4:8
As women we're always thinking, aren't we? When I ask Jet what he's thinking, he can honestly answer "Nothing."
It baffles me. Honestly, it does. But he, and millions of other men around the world, adhere to its truth. I lack the imagination to grasp that concept, but whatever.
But if Jet were to ask me "What are you thinking?" and I say "Nothing"? Yeah, it'd totally be a lie.
an obvious one, in my way of thinking, because What, you really expect *nothing* to be going through my head?!
I scoff. Let's get serious.
I believe women have been given the capacity to go deep: relationally. emotionally. spiritually. Our thoughts and hearts know no shallow places...do they?
Yet it's here that we HAVE TO BE so careful. because it's in these places where we can so easily be lead into Despair. by sheer thought alone.
And it's on this that I've been thinking. challenging myself to not focus on the things that annoy, frustrate, confuse, or hurt me.
But "in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5.18
The other day as Jet and I were driving to town, we began talking about....something? I don't even remember what. But I know the Spirit of God hit our car, my heart, and ultimately our conversation.
challenging me to write a list of thankfuls. A list of heavenly blessings that have changed our lives in one form or another.
And it was amazing how long the list got as we drove. Blessings we have been given, whether tangible or immaterial. Things we are NOT having to deal with, whether personally or concerning our children.
It truly shocked me how fast my outlook on life changed! by just focusing on and cataloging the Praiseworthy Things.
Have you made a list recently? You might want to try it. It banishes all shadows in the deep places of our thought lives. and somehow that can turn so many things around.
Even if only in our minds. ...the place where most battles are fought daily.
