Vol. 17 No. 52 | December 29, 2014
Would you like to end your year on a high note? Here is a simple and easy suggestion. It is not original with me. The Holy Spirit put the words in Paul’s mind, Paul put them to paper, and I share them with my computer.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV)
Sometime over the next few days consider trying this.
Think. Take some time, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour or two and think. Think about the last twelve months. Think about how God has blessed you, surprised you, amazed you, challenged you, corrected you, or changed you. Think. Stop and be quiet and think.
Think specifically about these things.
As you reflect think about the things you have learned, observed, or experienced that are true. The Bible. The love of a spouse, a parent, a friend, and God’s love.
As you reflect think about noble things. Things that are of great value and of high character. Think about what is dignified. Think about what is awe-inspiring. Think about things that are above and beyond your imagination.
Think about things that are right. Think about what is right about your family. Think about what is right about the world. Think about what is right about your church. Think about what is right and avoid focusing on what is wrong. Think about what has been right about your year.
Think about what is pure. There is so much impurity in the world. Focus on things as they are supposed to be, not tarnished or watered down. Think about the purity of a newborn baby. Think about the pure love of a newly married couple. Think about the purity of clear mountain morning. Think about the purity of a singer’s voice when they hit the notes perfectly.
And do not ignore the lovely. Think about lovely things. Think about that lady in your church when you were young — always dressed in the most appropriate fashion and her personality and spirit matched her wardrobe. Think about that tree down the street that had the perfect shape and filled with the brilliant orange leaves.
When I hear the word admirable I see faces. I see the faces of men and women who have inspired me by words, their actions, their encouragement, their ethics, and their spirituality. Think about those people this week. If possible contact them and tell them you are thinking about them and admire them.
Because you can see mediocrity running rampant why not choose to think about things that are excellent. Think about an event you attended this year and came away thinking and commenting, “That was excellent!” Maybe it was a concert. Perhaps it was a sporting event. It could have been service at a favorite restaurant.
As you bring your reflection time to an end think about things that deserve your praise. Think about your co-worker who did a great job on a difficult project, then tell them. Think about the performance of the young lady during her recital, then praise her. Think about the view of the ocean waves, then thank the Creator of the land and the sea. Think about that sunset that took your breath, then thank the One who made the sun, the moon, the stars, the sky, and your eyes to see them, then praise Him. Think about the One who created everything you see, hear, feel, taste, smell, experience, in the past, in the present, and in the future, then lift holy hands to praise the Lord God Almighty.
I hope you will spend some time this week thinking on these things, and I hope you welcome the new year with renewed faith, restored hope, and refreshed spiritual passion.
Tom
© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.