Filters
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
We have so many things in our lives that require filters and filter changes. My vacuum alone has three filters, the oil in my car, the air purifier has three filters, the shower head, the water pitcher... and on and on. I seem to be constantly ordering new filters to keep these everyday items running effectively and efficiently.
For the first four decades of my life, my mind was a filter. Anything that came my way good or bad, visual, auditory, thoughts from within my own mind... it all filtered through my mind. It’s no wonder I often felt overwhelmed and anxious.
One morning as I attempted to flip on the BBC to learn about the current state of the Ebola crisis (because my sister was on the front lines of this on the ground in Sierra Leone) I "accidentally"(?) pushed too many buttons and instead began hearing a sermon about peace and renewal of the mind. That morning marked a change. I realized my mind is holy ground. I do not have to allow anything and everything to pass through it. What’s more, I learned that I need to "clean my filter" or renew my mind regularly... frequently in fact.
As a busy working mother I have never had much time to devote to "relaxing" or "resting." I had to shift and realize that five minutes sitting in the car waiting for one of the kids to come out of the rink or dance class was a chance to exhale and meet with God and offer him thanks, to ponder his promises, to notice and appreciate things large and small that he had done for me and my family.
Now the children are grown, but I am still working both at my job and at home. I seem to never be able to sit still, but that's okay because I’ve discovered that I can renew my mind while walking or running with my dogs. Staring at the trees, the exquisite colors of the sky and other nature, looking into the eyes of children and others I work with, and seeing children of God... these are the ways, with God’s help that I renew my mind.
I also choose carefully what I expect my mind to filter through. There is so much over which I have no control, but there is also so much that I can control. I’ve learned that my eyes, ears, and mind do not need to filter through all the muck that this world and culture around us produces. I now realize I have to take time to clean my filter by reading God’s word, singing praise songs, and praying in gratitude.
I thank God for leading me to push too many buttons on the remote that morning years ago and leading me on a path to understanding what Romans 12:2 tells us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for ordering our steps. Thank you for surrounding us with your creation. Guide us to daily renew our minds so we can hear your voice
Sandy Cameron
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