Before you head off into your weekend, here are three things I have read and been thinking about this week. Hope they are as helpful and challenging for you as they have been for me.
Have a great weekend!
#1
It is in disordered loves and empty fears that all disquiet of heart and distraction of mind have their origin.
from Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
What do I “love” that causes my heart to lack peace? What do I fear or worry about that is causing my mind to be distracted?
We need to ruthlessly root out anything in our life that does not point us toward God; allow us to focus on him; and/or lead to peace. I’ve spent a few hours this week thinking through my routines and habits. Asking the question…are they helping or hurting me focus on Christ? If the answer is not 100% “helping” then I am taking some steps to either rethink them or eliminate them altogether.
My problem is that I need to do this all the time! Something I eliminate or rethink today will creep back in tomorrow. That is just how I am wired. And I can either beat myself up over my “lack of discipline” or trust that in my weakness is where Christ’s power is the most effective. I am choosing the latter…at least in this moment!
#2
Any readers
who like your poems,
doubt their judgment.from How To Be A Poet by Wendell Berry
Great reminder by Berry about the need to focus on an audience of the One not on the applause of the crowd. Those of us who live in the public eye need all the reminders we can get!
#3
In creative work — creative work of all kinds — those who are the world’s working artists are not trying to help the world go around, but forward. Which is something altogether different from the ordinary. Such work does not refute the ordinary. It is, simply, something else. Its labor requires a different outlook — a different set of priorities.
from Mary Oliver
Helping the world move forward requires an outlook and priorities that are countercultural per Oliver. I have found that my outlook and priorities often get set by the expectations others have for me.
For instance…We desire comfort. But it is only in discomfort do we grow.
So, I need to lead people into being uncomfortable if there is any hope for growth in Christ.
I pray for the courage to work in a way that gives people what they need and not necessarily what they want.
todd nelson 