DISCLAIMER: These are my thoughts! It is not my attention to offend anyone. If it happens, I apologize. However, it is my hope that my thoughts will give you reason to think anew.
IT’S ALL SPIRITUAL…It’s Not A Sin To Think!
The sculpture above was created by Auguste Rodin in 1904. It has always resonated within me! Not only is the character of this sculpture in the act of thinking, but he seems to be deeply engaged in the thoughts. I can imagine him profusely sweating out each thought. Perhaps, even painfully! For you see, sometimes thinking can be a rather painful exercise! I came across a quotation some time ago that said, “Just because you have brain activity does not mean that you are thinking!”
I have been unable to find and give credit to the person that uttered these words, but I appreciate the sentiment! I have come to realize that we take so many things for granted. Most importantly, the things we think about and the things we believe!
We are what we think!
The reason that this is so important, is because it forms the basis for all we do. Each of our daily and lifetime decisions start with our thoughts and what we believe about life, and everything connected to it! It was found that the average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those thousands of thoughts, 80% were negative or ineffective at getting us where we truly want to go, and 95% were exactly the same repetitive thoughts as the day before. We allow our thoughts to carry us for a ride we haven’t the faintest clue to their destination and become frustrated when we get to the same spot each time!
What Did you tell me?
It is unfortunate, but most of the things we think about, and our beliefs come from our experiences starting in childhood. We are influenced to believe and think as our parents or other significant people during our youth. We then begin to question things during our years of puberty. Now, not everything we got from our parents was wrong. We learned to respect people, to not touch the hot iron and being careful when crossing the street. Yet, imbedded in some of the things we heard were some of their biases born of painful experiences. It takes a great deal of courage to distance ourselves when we find the thoughts and beliefs given us as children no longer work for us. It takes tremendous courage to be the lone dissenting voice in a room full of “yes” people like in the movie “BIG” with Tom Hanks.
500 years ago, Martin Luther a German priest, theologian, author and hymnwriter, was a seminal player in the protestant reformation, when he uttered that a layman armed with the scriptures, was more powerful than the pope or priests! In other words, we can hear God for ourselves! He was excommunicated as a result of his beliefs, but the world was changed due to his willingness to think outside the traditions and norms of his time. Jesus was also an out of the box thinker! His teachings so challenged and infuriated those that wanted to maintain the status Quo, they conspired against him. He was vilified and eventually, crucified because of his teachings. Yet, his courage changed the world and continues to do so even today!
I remember going to Sunday school as a child. Listening to the love laced words and rich imagination of my Sunday school teacher, I learned about the love that Jesus had for me and all of God’s children. I left each Sunday class filled with joy, love and excitement to live each day according to the teachings of Christ. Then, I went to the adult church! Here I learned about all the “do’s and don’ts” that “real life” was about. Slowly, but surely, thinking as a child was something that needed to be put away. Dreaming was neither productive nor profitable. In this definition, “real life” was thinking and acting like everyone else!
Let’s Soar!
I believe our Heavenly Father loves our dreams. He rides with us as we float upon our magic carpet full of lofty ideas and aspirations! As children, we are taught to take things by faith. So, what is faith if it is nothing more than our imagination. Our musings. Our ability and desire to run and fly with our imagination! We still benefit from the wonderful imagination and musing of Walt Disney. As a child, I was entertained by Mickey Mouse, wanted to be a member of the Mickey Mouse Club, and longed for the day when I would ride the rides at DisneyLand!
In the Bible we are encouraged to renew our minds. We are admonished to stop trying to put new wine in old wineskins. True spiritual growth comes by not being afraid to release old thoughts and paradigms. The author of the book “The Road Less Traveled” encouraged us to take the road that many refused to embark upon. So, why not stop thinking thoughts full of limiting and fearful thoughts. Why not allow your thoughts to soar and you along with them!
