When I was a young man, I had a goal of living two lifetimes in one. As I have aged, I have learned that, yes, you can live two lifetimes in one, but only for half as long. My goal was to go out like a Styrofoam cup in a fireplace. My leadership style was “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”
Now, as I am approaching my seventh decade, I’ve toned things down. I’ve learned to stop and breathe. Each day – each moment – is special and to be savored. Meditation, one of the spiritual disciplines, has become essential. Genesis 24:61 records, “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening.” He didn’t go out to rest or to sleep or to while away the time. Isaac practiced meditation.
Eastern religions are famous for meditation, but that is very different from the Judeo-Christian kind. In the east, the goal is to rid your mind of all thoughts and feelings. Christian meditation is focused. The very first Psalm says:
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Likewise, returning to Isaac, Genesis 24:61 continues: “he lifted up his eyes and saw ….” Yes, Isaac saw camels coming bringing his bride, but I think meditation, focusing on God’s Word, allows us to lift up our eyes and see God’s World.
Today, take time to pray. Take time to read the Bible, and then take a few moments to meditate. See the world – your world and God’s world – through God’s eyes.
John and I are along with others sought to top mount hood on that day and the challenge over took us, Two, as I remember. Then the ski patrol appeared and safety was before us……