Whatever things are lovely–especially to a Grammy!
Our plan (Jim & I) was to double team some blog posts about Cultivating Joy. Two special young ladies came aboard as surprise participants, illustrating (literally) joy in the midst of adverse circumstances. Yesterday’s post by Jim highlighted faithful perseverance that produces joy – the kind of joy that spills over onto others.
Just before I sat down to write my thoughts about the practicality of Philippians (a formula for joy), I received a photo of granddaughter Emilia creating some backyard art. Please indulge a little grandmotherly bragging and a side story. Some years ago, when Emi had drawn a particularly good picture, I said, “Emi, maybe you’ll be an artist when you grow up!” Her reply: “I’m an artist now!”
It’s the craziest of times and everyone is juggling so much. Families, like that of our daughter and son-in-law, are dealing with unique job stress, working from home, doing online school, taking turns on the household computers and managing all the responsibilities of a family of five plus pets! Both adults and kids are having to adapt to many challenges these days! Needing what her mom called a “brain break”, Emilia took paint brush and palette to the outdoors and used the wood pile as her canvas.
The Apostle Paul encouraged his friends at Philippi to take a brain break from their anxious thoughts, replacing them with positive meditations. His famous “Whatevers” map out a path to peace. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (4:8).
It takes some effort to discipline the mind in the middle of a crisis! A good exercise is to take pen and paper and list the specific “whatevers” that apply to the situation at hand. Regarding COVID-19, for example . . .
- True: Sickness is part of our fallen world, but healing is provided in the atonement.
- Noble: Self-sacrificing individuals, particularly those in health care, are working long, hard hours for the benefit of the entire community.
- Right: I have the ability to do good for my neighbors, “preferring one another” with the love of Christ.
- Pure: There are examples all around me of kindness that comes from compassionate, pure hearts. I am grateful for the kindness that has been shown to me.
- Lovely: The virus has not overcome the blossoming Spring. All around me are signs of life.
- Admirable: I admire the gifted minds that are researching this disease and developing strategies to overcome it. I pray for God to give them insight and understanding.
- Excellent: I am grateful for businesses that have adapted efficiently and are providing me with good service under difficult circumstances.
- Praiseworthy: Leaders at all levels of government are working hard at finding solutions to this pandemic. They are criticized and second guessed, and largely underappreciated, so I will acknowledge their efforts and pray for God to lead them.
Our wonderful Christa Mele, who fills so many ministry roles at Southwest Assembly of God, shared a video testimony of how God helps her in the struggle with anxiety. She, too, combats chaos with some “brain breaks”, specifically prayer, meditation and redirecting her attention to that which brings joy. You will find Christa’s message particularly inspiring for these times!
As he wrapped up his exhortation to the Philippians, Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”