Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking, by definition, is a state of low consciousness where people perform activities that are usually performed during a state of full consciousness.  These activities are generally simple, repeated behaviors, but can be more complex.  I am only on day three of a 60 day partial fast, and already I realize that this is a great analogy of what I (and I suspect many others) have been doing for most of my life.

This fast has made me acutely aware of my choices.  I can no longer just "go with the flow", doing whatever comes naturally.  I must measure each decision against what I have committed to and see if it measures up.  Hmmm, sounds like something I should be doing anyway.  Even my failure last night has taught me.

Yes, day two and I already messed up!  We went to the movies and I had popcorn and a pop.  No it may not seem like a big deal to you, and it isn't according to my "normal" way of thinking, but I have chosen to walk another road.  Not only was the food not on my approved list, but the cost was crazy!  The good news is I live under grace.  So, I confessed it to God, asked for forgiveness, received His forgiveness, brushed myself off and am getting back to it!

I discovered the importance of setting my mind.  Whichever direction we set our mind to (I had already decided beforehand that I wanted a snack at the movies) that is what we will follow through with, no matter how much we argue with ourselves to the contrary.  Romans 8:1-2,5-9,12-13 says:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

 

Much like the simple, repetitive activities of sleepwalkers, we do things by habit or because everyone else is.  This is a dangerous and slippery slope.  I have begun to be awakened.  The question lies in what will I do now?  Will I choose to move ahead into reality or shrink back into a semi-conscious state of ignorance and disobedience?  I have 57 more days.  Let the adventure begin!

Beauty Defined

Though the media would like us to believe they have the definition of beauty, they do not.  Having beauty is defined as possessing qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses. This can not be limited to a few people or things, but rather is as inexhaustible as creation itself!  For beauty has its origin in the mind of an infinite God. 

So what does nature teach us about beauty?  Variety and uniqueness are its hallmarks!  It is the difference between the plains and the rugged mountains or the sea and the arid desert that delight our senses.  What pleasure to sit upon the sand and listen to crashing waves, as they continue on as they have since the beginning of time, their tides marking the days and seasons.  What meditation is brought on by staring into the heavens with their vast constellations.  And who has not felt satisfied at the end of a day as the sunsets in its brilliant hues. 

And what about our desire to people watch?  You know you do it.  We can't help ourselves, as the differences fascinate us.  We are God's masterpiece.  Our very DNA shows that uniqueness is God's design.  It is purposeful and it is beautiful!  Even the afflictions and trials of our life can prove to be the refiners fire that brings forth pure gold. 

As a photographer, I have learned that "perfection" does not always make the best picture.  It is the clouds scattered throughout the sky that cause the most glorious sunsets.  And so with my life, I have seen the trials purify me by seeking to remove my pride and selfishness, revealing the beauty within, which is Christ in me, the hope of glory.

Praise God for His definition of beauty.  We are free to be who He made us to be, in all our uniqueness.  Our glory comes from His many faceted character being displayed in our lives, as we allow Christ to rule in our hearts.