You’re reading my newsletter, This Isn’t Happening. If you like my work and think that positive and uplifting ideas still have a place in our modern world, consider subscribing. You’ll receive all of my content as it’s released.
Our minds are constantly being mended by the world around us. Whether it’s our own thoughts, the thoughts of others, the words of others, or even the things we see, our minds are constantly being transformed.
I like to think about my mind as an empty clay pot. What I choose to put in the pot is up to me, but just because the pot is full doesn’t mean that it is full of the right things.
Earlier this week, I wrote about how seeds need the right conditions to germinate. And while I spoke specifically about the timing of their germination, I think it’s important to take some time to think about the medium in which we place our seeds. After all, you can’t just throw seeds on top of a pile of rocks and expect them to germinate.
The type of soil that you choose to place your seeds in matters—and it matters a lot. The same idea is true for your thoughts. Our God given purpose is always with us everywhere we go, but so are the conditions that we are trying to force our purpose to manifest itself in.
Maybe you feel like your purpose in life is something as simple as just being there to listen to people that might not have anyone else to talk to. What would happen if that was really the case, but your whole life you had been told that you’re ‘stupid’ or ‘a bad listener’? Unfortunately, you would probably be hindering your own progress; you would have filled your pot with bad soil, leaving little to no room for the good. Instead of filling the pot that is your mind with rich, nutrient dense soil, you would have allowed the world around you to fill it with gravel.
The good news is that just like a real clay pot, you have the ability to completely change what is inside. Just because your pot is full doesn’t mean that it is full of the things that will enrich your life. Every once in a while it is worth it to take time to replace the old with something new—something that will give you life. God has already laid out the life giving medium for you. You just have to be willing to change it yourself.
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:19 NLT
Yeah man, I need to unclutter my thoughts some times, focus on God things!