Thoughts on Thinking

Some quotes from stuff I'm reading right now that's "informing my thinking".

From The Rest of God by Mark Buchannan

"The wisdom of the wise is to give thought to their ways. They think about where they're going. But the folly of fools is deception. They keep lying to themselves.

"Wise people ask, Does this path I'm walking lead to a place I want to go? If I keep heading this way, will I like where I arrive?.....Consider your thoughts and attitudes, the pattern of them, their shape and drift. Are they leading you where you want to go? Plot their trajectory: will they lead you in a place you care to live?....Invite the Spirit to search you (Psalm 139:23-24) and reveal one habitual thought, one attitude of your heart, that is misleading you." Page 40-41

From God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg

"In reality, each thought we have carries with it a little spiritual power, a tug toward or away from God. No thought is purely neutral.

"Every thought is either enabling and strengthening you to be able to cope with reality to live a kingdom kind of life, or robbing you of that life. Every thought is -- at least to a small extent -- God-breathed or God-avoidant; leading to death or leading toward life." Page 90

This week, I've done what Buchannan suggested. Asked God to show me, and He has. It's quite amazing to sit back and take stock of what's going on in my brain most of the time. Even when I'm not really aware of it. Humbling, sobering. And I'm asking myself the hard questions. Am I headed where I want to live? Where do I want to live? Not in negativity and insecurity, that's for sure. But too often that's where my train of thought is chugging. The scenery that flashes past as the train speeds along is dreary, sad, black and white. Is this really where I want to go?

And then, Ortberg's idea...that each thought takes us in a kind of direction. Do my thoughts strengthen and enable me to live the life God has called me to?

Sometimes it's essential to get off the train. Catch another one in the other direction. Let the spiritual power of my thoughts push me, pull me toward brighter things, powerful things, things God has dreamed for me, planned long ago for me to be, for me to do.

Joyful thinking.
Saturday morning cuddle with a pj'd three year old who's conversation is simple and unfettered and full of unconditional love for sleepy, Saturday morning Gramma.
Being part of a community marking a move of God-like porportions in the life of a rescued treasure.
Napping.
Out with friends who give to combined kingdom efforts, at great personal cost.
God breathes Himself into every moment.

Taking every thought captive.
Thinking.