Greetings …
Throughout this second phase of lockdown, when we have found ourselves at home, we have all found that we have been blessed with more time for some things.
Most of us have more time to think – which can be helpful depending on where our thoughts take us. We might be thinking about the future … what is going to happen, whether it will be good or bad and how it will affect us. We might be thinking just about the present … how things are now without much thought for what has been or what will be. We might also be thinking about the past … remember people, places and situations that were significant.
Psychology tells us that our thinking, especially when thinking about the past, can be either introspective or ruminating. Introspective thinking encourages us to think with curiosity and self-exploration and can be a useful tool in problem solving. On the other hand, ruminating happens when we focus on our regrets and become self-critical. It is important that our thinking can lead us to a place of hope, optimism and positivity.
It would seem that well before psychologists were telling us this, the writer of the letter to the Philippians was thinking the same way. His words from Philippians 4:8 are an encouragement that is worth remembering now and always …
“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
In the time that we have to think, let us remember those things that are uplifting and encouraging, things that remind us that no matter what we are facing, the One who calls us beloved is with us.
Blessings – Heather.