There are at least two big problems in my life right now trying to keep my attention. When I think about them very long, they start me on a downward spiral. Today both issues demanded my attention, but today I determined to use my God given freedom to redirect my thoughts. I have the power of choice given me by God, and I can choose to think of Him whenever I would like. This morning before anyone else was up, I came to His presence and He blessed me with the reassurance that His very presence is with me. It is with me when I think about Him, and when I don't. But when I do, and do often, the blessing starts multiplying. I did think about him often in the morning, but soon the little problems piled themselves onto the big problems, and I felt snowed under. Without realizing it I became problem-focused, and forgot the Presence of God was with me. It wasn't until the evening came that I remembered to be Presence-focused again, and when I did, the joy that He knows, and that no problem is so big that it can separate me from Him, came back. He knows the path I need to go on, and He is going with me, even though the trail is full of trials. All I had to do was think of Him, how much He loves me, He'll never leave me or forsake me, He rejoices over me with singing, He knows everything about me and still loves me. Praise God! The problems are still here, but I'm not focused on them. I'm focused on the Presence of God.
(Note to those who weren't with me on Pohnpei in 1988. You are welcome to listen in, but I am writing mainly for my fellow teachers, myself, and my family. There will be some things you won't understand. Just skim those parts, if you wish.) We stayed in this lovely building. I think it used to be painted blue. The lower floor used to be Mr. Quail's house. The lower left apartment was Mr. Keith's. Remember him? The maintenance man? We stayed in his apartment. The building is still in good condition, but the cupboards and cabinets need help. The particle board has swelled after all these years, and the drawers no longer work. The building behind "Mr. Quail's place" is a cafeteria on the ground floor with girls housing up above. The boys are in the building that the nice Philippino lady, I think her name was Ramie, who taught typing lived in. And there are a couple guys in the apartment in th...
Awesome thoughts to ponder as I have begun my day. To use our power of choice to "gird up the loins of my mind" Thanks for sharing!
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