Being Renewed In The Spirit

Going through Lent, we have probably tried harder to discard our old selfish way

of life and letting the new life change our thinking. What do you focus on? A focused life

can be a life well-lived. Yet we often live carelessly. How often are we lamenting what

we do not have and barely recognizing our blessings? I read this quote and believe it is

worth paying attention to - “Life is fleeting – eternity is forever. Yesterday is history,

tomorrow is mystery, today is a blessing and gift, live it.”

When you find yourself contemplating the past or tomorrow, you are not living in

the present. As a caretaker, how present and compassionate are you to yourself and

others? It is human to get discouraged, become hard on myself, and reacting when the

focus is on fears and challenges. We are encouraged in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally,

brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever

is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is

anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have

learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with

you.”

It would seem St. Paul is saying, follow my example, empty your mind of worry

and the next step is to fill with the sort of things that will shape a truly Christian character.

In response to him, the Philippians are to focus on the beautiful, and praiseworthy and

to practice the same, in turn we receive the gift of peace, the most valuable of many

gifts. To have a good attitude, we need to reframe how we think. Not to focus on the

20% negative, but the 80% good. Our experiences transform our perspective.

It makes a difference what lens you are seeing from. It helps to reframe, not how

big is your problem, how big is your God! Of course, it isn’t easy and the loved one you

may be caring for is not necessarily going to cooperate. Half of those who are

depressed or anxious also have chronic pain, coloring everything. Focusing on our

blessings not burdens gives us a new perspective, renewing our spirit, even for a short

time.

As we’ seek’ the Lord, spending time in quiet and reading His word, we can have

untold benefits and allow God’s love to carry us every step of the way. We trust and

believe in the following verses about seeking the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13, “When you look

for Me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart.” 1 Chronicles

16:11, “Rely on the mighty Lord; constantly seek His face.” Take time to ‘seek’ renew

and a deeper relationship will form, as peace fills your heart and soul. May the blessings

of Easter be ours in great abundance!