Each year I choose a word to study, hoping to grow personally in some way from my explorations. This year my “one word” is a phrase.
Put off… Put on…
Put off… anything that hurts God, others, or me.
Put on… LOVE in Christ.
This week I’m thinking about putting off… and putting on… a mindset about new things that come in multiples.
What I know so far…
…a new thing is not a flat line graph.
New things, positive or negative, come with learning curves of varying intensities.
Sometimes a new thing takes me out of my comfort zone, dipping to a low valley before I have the chance to climb the first peak. Learning is intense.
Sometimes a new thing takes me on a pleasant adventure. The journey feels like I’m a feather floating along a gentle babbling brook. Learning is fun.
But then, there are times when several new things vie for my attention all at once, inviting me to entertain an overwhelming mindset…
New paint colors for the whole house.
New pandemic rules.
New workspace.
New schedule.
New dog.
What I’m learning about navigating crisscrossing paths of responsibility so that I can rest in Christ…
Slow down, and…
…acknowledge intersecting needs as opportunities to PUT ON a compassionate and patient mindset toward myself and others.
Why?
Because Jesus has a compassionate and patient mindset toward us.
Here’s what others have to say about rest.
ARTICLE: The Search for Rest in a Hurry Up World, by Ann Voskamp
“… I didn’t look like I was in a hurry, but my thoughts were badgering me forward for no good reason. I realized I hurry because I feel like that’s what I’m supposed to do—rush off to the next thing…”