Yesterday at a writer’s group, we were talking about busyness and how if we run around too much nothing really gets done well…and we become undone, impatient and unkind. Especially now in holiday season.
One of my peers told a story about a man who met with his pastor wondering why he couldn’t feel God in his life anymore.
“I don’t see God in my life .” He approached the pastor.
“God is in your life just like goldfish in a bowl,” the pastor replied. “But you have so much going on all the time, it’s like what happens when you shake up a goldfish bowl. The dirt and grime clouds the water so much you can’t even see the fish. You need to stay still and quit moving.”
We were talking about our live’s getting out of order when we add on tasks or commitments without taking away something on the other end. Add, add and add leads to busy, busier, busiest. Forget the joy of sitting and watching goldfish swim in a bowl.
My first fish was a goldfish named Goldilocks. Mom said Goldilocks used to keep her company swimming around in her bowl while Mom read at night when dad was away traveling. Even the smallest segments of time at night can speak of God’s presence at the edges of our day if we are quiet inside.
Monday I woke up and read a devotional to begin my day. A card fell out that said, STOMP OUT ANTS. A-N-T-S stood for Automatic Negative Thoughts. I had to catch all the ants that were surfacing that morning over various issues relationally and in general. “Why did she say this?” “Why didn’t they wrap the paper?” “Who made this coffee so weak?” It can go on and on. This day choose life the Bible says, in order that you may live. Choose a blessing or a curse this day. It’s all in the attitude if we choose a blessing. Thank you God for this person asking me questions and relating. Thank you God I have coffee to drink and the money to buy it.
When I went to the gym that morning a man I shared this with from church added another thinking help. “STOP the COMMITTEE” he laughed.
What is that? I asked.
All the voices that say , “I can’t do this, it will take too long….cost too much….I’m not prepared” all the objections of the negative voices chiming in our minds –that’s the Committee.
So between Stomping out Ants, Stopping the Committee and Contemplating Goldfish it seems we will be able to live a quieter, more focused, more productive life.
It all starts with the small steps of clearing our plate little by little so we can see God and hear Him easier. And then recognizing and, interrupting our often human and limited thinking so God can speak into our lives and encourage us to live above the circumstances. To allow ourselves to be encouraged so we can encourage others and enjoy life a little bit more than we may be doing now. And isn’t that what living each day in the moment really means? By focused Purposeful travel and owner- friendly thinking we can hear our Guide and we can prepare for the journey of each day.
"I have come to give you life that you might have it abundantly..." Jesus, John 10:10
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