If there is anything the COVID-19 has given me, it’s been time. Its been altered – set down into a new place – life is not the same.
Having more time carries a huge weight of responsibility with it. I’ve been experiencing a load of guilt as I observe my neighbor take down a good acre of 60 foot alder trees and re-landscape his entire yard into a green grassy acre with mounded garden beds of lush flowerbeds, and even a waterfall feature, while the weeds in our garden are growing to unprecedented heights. I have more time, but what am I doing with it?
Have you noticed, as I have, that you have more time to think?
I’m wondering if perhaps my mind needs some direction and energy put into it, the same as my garden beds?
My thoughts have a tendency to wander, they look somewhat like the trail of a toddler on the beach – circular paths to and fro, hither and thither with no apparent destination.
The name of this blog ‘This Day – God’s Way’ is truly the desire of my heart, which requires I pay some attention to the road I’m on. My journey is not accidental. My choices – even with my thoughts – lead somewhere.
I’ll be honest, the road I naturally follow, my heart’s natural GPS setting is – ‘My Way’. I can follow that road without a map.
Sitting in my favorite armchair with my cobalt blue mug of steaming coffee in hand on a recent morning, reading my Bible, I came upon a verse that challenged me. See what you think:
“and this I call to mind and therefore I have hope, because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed..”
– Lamentations 3:21
The question I’m asking myself – ‘What am I calling to mind?’.
What am I recalling – replaying – reminding myself of? And, are these things I am focusing my mind on – are they bringing me hope? Life?
My natural tendency is to focus on troubles – circumstances in my life I’d like changed, or, if I’m being honest, removed.
I can marinate for quite some time on an unsolvable trouble or a harsh, misspoken word by another, and in these days of COVID-19 and racial injustice, dread and worry overtake my thoughts, unbidden at any time, day or night.
The idea of ‘calling to mind’ is about purposeful remembering. A redirecting or repurposing of thoughts.
I’m thinking that the practice of ‘Remembrance’ just might be the ‘how to’ for resetting or staying my mind, helping me stay on the road I most want to travel – God’s way.
“He is able to keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Thee.”
– Isaiah 26:3
A big theme in the Bible is God’s people forgetting Him and His ways, following their own ways instead. Over and over God tells His people to ‘remember’. Clearly, the gravitational pull of our hearts is towards forgetfulness and self-rule.
I recently read a quote by St. Augustine (though I’m having difficulty finding the initial source)….
“Everything I learned about God I learned through remembering.”
Remembrance is a way to call to mind – and stay my mind on God – purposing to direct my thoughts toward Him.
Our minds are filled, even fretful, given the challenges of these days – viral pandemic, racial injustices, and more.
Today is the day we need more than ever to call to mind truth.
Today we need more than ever we need to recount God’s goodness and grace for these days that we face.
Today our faith needs expressing and our minds need staying. Today is the time for remembrance and recounting God’s ways and His good gifts.
Perhaps it’s time to take care in what I’m counting…
“ I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds…..
You are the God who works wonders….” – Ps 77:11-14
One place to start the practice of remembrance may be the Psalms – I’ve found heartache and hurt meet grace and truth in these heart-felt prayers to God. Let’s stay our minds today by remembering God’s wonders and goodness to us.
**An aside…If we were chatting over a cup of coffee today, I’d probably reach out, touch your hand, and offer up a prayer for you during these difficult days (today I’ll do it quietly, in my heart)….”May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with.. you.” (II Thess. 3:16)
I’m adding one more thing, for those of you, who like me, have hearts that are moved by music – “Turn Your Eyes”.
Credit: You Tube – The Glorious Christ Live.
