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Keeping Our Minds Charged

Weekly Thought – January 16, 2018

Fred valued right thinking. His respect for mental clarity allowed him to live in the “current reality,” as he put it. He had no place for the wish ethic – his life focused on the work ethic in thought and action.

The 2018 BWFLI season brings events on at least four campuses. We are introducing the What’s Next Roundtable which focuses on mentoring, networking, and persevering. Fred’s writings and the experiences of our team members will deliver messages of hope and help.

Keeping Our Minds Charged

Mentoring questions asked by Fred and quick answers given by Fred in a “lightning round format.”

1) When do I have time for myself and how do I use it? Just as I want to handle my finances so I can have some discretionary income, I like to schedule myself so I can have some time to myself. Sometimes it is a walk in the park, a leisurely drive through the country, a telephone call to a friend, or a time listening to music, these provide alone time to recharge. It can be a few minutes of meditation on the blessings of God which give me that valuable time of refreshment. We must remember that recreation is to be re-creation. These moments are like stops at the gas station to fuel our car.

2) Have I accepted who I am? In order to accept ourselves we must understand how we are wired. This requires time and effort but it is a critical exercise. We must understand the specifics of our personality. This takes honesty and recognizing we tend toward fantasy, not reality. I have a uniqueness which is the piece God gave me to steward. In order to do this well, I must pay the price to study to know myself.

3) Am I realistic about the current reality? This is one of my favorite phrases. It can be general or specific. It isn’t an automatic or easy posture. It requires an objective viewpoint not an emotional one. It disallows the tendency to live in a mindset of what we wish life were. But progress isn’t made in hiding from what is. I find it is very helpful to ask a friend with a clear mind for their analysis of what I am facing. It is freeing to see life in a true perspective not colored or shadowed by false thinking.

4) Who are the authorities in my life? The Bible is my greatest and final authority. When I was inclined to reject the totality of scripture and question certain passages I stopped to think about it. What I realized was that the portions I wanted to delete were the ones which spoke to behaviors and decisions I didn’t want to agree with. I wanted to leave out the obedience sections which convicted me. An authority doesn’t consider your desire, but the reality of your need. Certain individuals are an authority figure for me because of their specialized knowledge and expertise. For example, one friend is always helpful to me in social situations. Another, is my theological touchstone for his knowledge and faith experience. One friend I respect his authority because he has great decision making abilities. An important thing to note is that although these are respected and considered authorities they have limited power. I bear the final responsibility for carrying out the issue at hand.

This week think about: 1) How do I continue to operate in the current reality? 2) Who are authorities in my network? 3) What work am I doing to further understand myself?

Words of Wisdom: “It is freeing to see life in a true perspective not colored or shadowed by false thinking.”

Wisdom from the Word: “So now Pharaoh should look for a wise and discerning man and give him authority over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:33 NET Bible)

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