Which would you say is the most common human weakness?
A. Living unaware?
B. Greed?
C. Pride?
D. Selfishness?
According to pastor and author, Lou Guntzelman, the answer is A.*
Even twenty years ago when Guntzelman wrote his book, he saw many people living superficially, busily, and distractedly –moving too fast and focusing too much on insignificant matters.
Maybe those descriptors don’t apply to you. But I have been guilty on all counts.
And those of us who tend to fly through our days are at great risk of missing life.
We don’t see the unique qualities of the people around us.
We don’t hear the laughter of our children.
We don’t even think to take in deep gulps of rain-scented air, just for the pleasure of breathing.
We don’t taste and see God’s goodness in the world.
(Blackwater Falls, WV)
We don’t sense His presence.
But!
When we learn to engage the mind and especially the spirit in the moment at hand, we discover the splendor of God’s glory tucked into surprising places–right in front of us.
“The moment one gives close attention to anything,
even a blade of grass,
it becomes a mysterious, awesome,
indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
–Henry Miller
The obvious question is: how do we reprogram ourselves to live more aware?
Perhaps the first step is to condition our minds through quiet reflection.
In a place of solitude, we avail ourselves of his presence and redirect our attention from the day’s cares to God’s truth.
Sometimes that might include:
- Studying and contemplating scripture, open to a change of heart or a change of direction.
- Naming God’s attributes and celebrating how he’s demonstrated those attributes in our lives.
- Keeping a gratitude journal, to help us tune in to the positive. (It’s a transformative habit!)
- Reading books by thought-provoking Christian authors, then mentally processing their tenets, and seeking ways of application to life when appropriate.
The state of our minds affects our perception of everything.
Second, we condition our focus.
We determine to:
(Backyard beauties at our house,
on display the end of April)
- Appreciate more fully the natural wonders around us—even in the backyard, on the way to work, while running errands.
- Honor each person we meet with eye contact, smiles, and a kind word.
- Sift out the immaterial and apply ourselves to the important.
- Refuse pointless worry and find priceless treasure in scriptural reassurance and God’s inimitable peace.
- Pursue wholeness—the state of being perfectly well in body, soul (mind, will, and emotions) and spirit. That happens as we submit more and more to God’s perfect ways (Psalm 119:1-2).
And what will be the result?
Each day there will be the anticipation of discovery and delight, joyful praise and expectant hope. We’ll find ourselves speaking to God more and more often, and hearing his whispers in our hearts. We’ll experience greater satisfaction in life as we train our focus on him and savor his endless blessings.
Bottom line: We will live on the threshold of heaven.
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, this is where I want to live, Father—on the precipice of your glory. Though responsibilities must be taken care of, I can still take note and inwardly digest all the beauty, blessings, discoveries, and lessons that you bring to my attention. Help me to live aware!
*Lou Guntzelman, So Heart and Mind Can Fill, St. Mary’s Press, 1998.
Art & photo credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; wwwpxhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pixnio.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.quotefancy.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pxhere.com.
From the Inside Out 