Why is it that the only time folks set aside their petty differences, whatever they may be, is seemingly and most often during times of crisis? As during the few weeks following 9/11 for example or when a loved one is desperately ill.
I was listening to a psychologist on the radio the other day and he was talking about how endorphins stimulate the pleasure center when we engage in activities or with people that give us pleasure. Specifically, he was referring to words of affirmation. Everybody likes to hear them. Did you know that the brain actually "lights up" with neural activity (whatever that means) for a short period when we are exposed to them? But, as with everything in life, there are two sides to every coin (an overused but effective idiom). There are many negative things we become addicted to whilst unknowingly rewiring our brains in order to reward and feed those pleasure centers, either in behavior or action. Let’s not do that.
It fascinates me how sickness, crisis, death, natural disasters, ect. have the uncanny ability to immerse us in the moment which cause us to retreat to a place of safety and refuge with one another only to discover that as soon the crisis is averted, some of us quickly nestle back into our corners, ready to go another round or two with those who don't think or act exactly the way we do, battling the very same things that no longer seemed to matter when we really needed each other badly. Now that was a long sentence! The obvious answer is sin of course. Regardless, it seems logical to me that if we can get along during the worst of times, then we certainly posses the ability to do so when our lives are not in crisis mode. Willingness on our part, well that’s a different story.
I encourage you to use a few creative words of affirmation this week with those you interact with and watch and see what happens. Make you effort unidirectional, not expecting anything in return. Those are some good seeds to plant which may soon yield a bountiful crop. In fact, feel free to return to this post someday and note your experiences if you care to. You never know when your thoughts will be a encouragement to others.
And finally by all means do yourself a favor by directing your own thoughts in a positive direction: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Have a fantastic week and stay emotionally healthy.
Jim
Love it. We learn the deeper truths of the Lord at the epicenter of pain and suffering. I love the Philippians 4:8 passage. Check out this golden nugget: https://youtu.be/GDUvRwUVv2E