As I waited to sign in for my final occupational therapy appointment (woo-hoo!), I heard the gentleman at the receptionist's window saying, "Don't make it on Monday - that's my day off. Now that I'm retired I'm busier than ever and I have to have a day off. Monday is my day off."I'll bet I know why he chose Monday. For years he probably groaned on Mondays ("Moan-days"), but not anymore.
Everybody needs a day off, but today's thought has to do with taking every day off from mental strains we shouldn't be carrying any day of the week. From what exhausting activities do our minds need a break? Worry and planning come to mind immediately, but there are other mind activities we may not realize wear us down and out.
Do we realize how much mental effort we use to judge? The judgmental machine in our heads requires input and, sadly, we're happy to oblige. We feed this hungry gadget with our opinions of of people, situations, decisions, comparisons, etc., etc. We even judge God for what He's doing (or not doing) in our lives, for His timing, and for making us the way He made us.
What about anger? It takes a lot of energy to hold on to a grudge. We spin our wheels and spend precious time playing those annoying scenes and conversations over and over in our mind's theatre.
How about the time and effort we spend figuring out how to avoid confrontation when a loving confrontation would be more cathartic and productive?
What is the answer to all this mentally draining activity? Trusting God to work everything out and to lead us when He wants us to take part in His plan. Trusting Him to make the right judgment at the right time. Resting in His promise to work all things out for the good of people who love Him. Allowing Him to show us when it's time to speak up and when it's time to walk away. Trusting God knows what He's doing. Giving people the benefit of the doubt takes the responsibility off of our shoulders, allows us clear minds and mental rest. Only then can we focus on the transcendant thoughts God wants us to ponder. A rested mind can enjoy abundant life and hear His whispers. It's time to take some time off.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
Matthew 7:1
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
"But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?"
Romans 9:20-21
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