“Stop trying to protect, to rescue, to judge, to manage the lives around you . . . remember that the lives of others are not your business. They are their business. They are God’s business . . . even your own life is not your business. It also is God’s business. Leave it to God. It is an astonishing thought. It can become a life-transforming thought . . . unclench the fists of your spirit and take it easy . . . What deadens us most to God’s presence within us, I think, is the inner dialogue that we are continuously engaged in with ourselves, the endless chatter of human thought. I suspect that there is nothing more crucial to true spiritual comfort . . . than being able from time to time to stop that chatter . . . ” ~ Frederich Buechner
ZECHARIAH 10-12
JOURNAL
One of the struggles I have and I daresay every human also battles is the internal dialogue. The constant thoughts and judgments and opinions about others and myself. It is one of the amazing gifts of being human but it is also one of the curses. This ability has a way of taking me out of the present moment and drowning me in thoughts that many times are not productive or loving.
Years ago at Onsite I learned some great ways of stopping all those ping-pong thoughts and chatter. It relieved me and helped me find a peace that I had rarely ever experienced. Unfortunately I engage in this habit daily but I also am able to have a better perspective to realize the truth of Buechner's quote. It helps me to see that life is way bigger than my perspective, I get the blessing and joy of living in a world and time that is full of details, variety and for the most part peace and opportunity that would have been unthinkable 2000 years ago.
Thank you father for this reminder, for my opportunity and my small place in this world that you have blessed and allowed me to live. Help me to see it in all it's color, variety and wonder. Help me to free my mind from apathy and worry and instead see the opportunity and joy of today.
Thank you father for this reminder, for my opportunity and my small place in this world that you have blessed and allowed me to live. Help me to see it in all it's color, variety and wonder. Help me to free my mind from apathy and worry and instead see the opportunity and joy of today.
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