Thinking About the Good Stuff: Truth

As it turns out, sometimes the “good stuff” isn’t altogether pleasant.  Yesterday, I was confronted with two uncomfortable truths about myself:  one having to do with my spiritual life, and the other having to do with a friend whom I have hurt deeply.  Ouch!

But, as The Man said, “the truth shall set you free.”  And so, I will embrace these uncomfortable truths, lean into them, and work to make amends, praying for release from the bonds I’ve placed on my own heart and in the hearts of others.  When the release comes, it will definitely be some of the Good Stuff.

 

Thinking About the Good Stuff: Be Careful What and Where You Preach

Yesterday, I served as guest preacher at Faith Presbyterian Church in the North Georgia Mountains (Blue Ridge).  I preached on Philippians 4:4-9, and especially about Paul’s exhortation to develop a life marked by rejoicing, gentleness and peace by thinking (pondering, meditating on and taking note of) things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy (verse 8).

I challenged the congregation to undertake an intentional practice of this type of thinking between now and New Year’s.  To look for something true, pleasing, etc. each day and to take time with it, meditating on it, perhaps writing about it or taking a picture of it, like one of those photo-a-day challenges that pop up from time to time.

Well…. what goes around, comes around.  One of the members of the congregation said that he thought I should do this myself and that I should post the daily results on my blog, which has not been updated in some time.  He challenged me… he almost double-dog-dared me.  And so here it goes…..

 

Day #1:  Truth

They say that autumn reveals a tree’s true color, which has been masked by the chlorophyll produced by sunnier days.  As I continue to move into the autumn of my life, losing the sap and lush foliage of younger days, I pray that my true color will be as brilliant as the pure gold of this tree.