I was sitting at my desk the other day, sipping some sweet tea (really), and listening to a recording of Earl Nightingale. If you aren’t familiar with Mr. Nightingale, his Wikipedia bio states that he was an American radio speaker and author, dealing mostly with the subjects of human character development, motivation, and meaningful existence. I’ve found him everlastingly listenable. Among the gazillion or so books he wrote, his best known was The Strangest Secret. In it, he amplifies a single thought that captivates me: “You become what you think about.” Now, don’t go thinking I’ve turned all philosophical on you; I’m just trying to chew on something that’s a bit more profound than my usual thought patterns.
Ever find yourself stuck in a loop of negative thoughts? Oh boy, I have. You start thinking you’re not good enough, not smart enough, or whatever “enough” you want to add to the list, and soon enough, you begin to feel that way. It’s like you’ve become a magnet attracting all the things you DON’T want.
There is some scripture that resonates with this idea, and Mr. Nightingale references this several times. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Simple, right? What’s in our minds can shape who we are.
Imagine your thoughts are seeds. You plant them, water them, and eventually, they’ll grow into something. Now, if you plant tomatoes, don’t expect to harvest watermelons. Same goes for our thoughts. Plant positive seeds, and you’ll see a garden full of hope, joy, and love. Plant negative seeds, and, well, you’ll get the prickly weeds.
But it’s not just about thinking happy thoughts and hoping for the best. It’s about aligning those thoughts with actions. James 2:17 tells us, “Faith without works is dead.” It’s like wanting a bountiful harvest without getting your hands dirty. You’ve got to roll up your sleeves and work that garden.
So, let’s say you want to be more loving, more generous, or more patient. Start by thinking it, believing it, and then doing it. Be intentional about your thoughts, and let them guide your steps. Trust in the Lord, lean on His wisdom, and watch how your life blossoms.
I suppose this idea of “you become what you think about” is more than a nifty slogan on a bumper sticker. It’s a truth we can apply to our everyday lives, one that’s rooted in the Word and can help us grow into the person we’re meant to be.
So we’ve chewed on the idea that our thoughts shape us, and I bet some of you are thinking, “Well, that sounds great, but how do I actually do that?” Let’s think about some action points – some down-to-earth ways to turn your thinking around and grow a garden of positivity:
- Plant the Right Seeds: If you want to think positively, you’ve got to start by planting the right thoughts. Dive into scripture, find verses that resonate with you, and keep them close. Write them down, stick them on your fridge, whatever it takes. These are your positive seeds.
- Water with Prayer: Ever found yourself stuck in a storm of negative thoughts? It’s like a garden overrun with weeds. Pray about it! Talk to God, share what’s on your mind, and ask for guidance. Prayer’s like water for the soul, nourishing those positive thoughts.
- Tend Your Garden with Friends: Surround yourself with folks who’ll encourage you and help you grow. You wouldn’t leave your garden all alone, would you? Fellowship with friends and family who uplift you is like having a gardening buddy.
- Use the Right Tools: Just like in gardening, you need the right tools. Listen to uplifting music, read inspiring books, attend church gatherings, and be part of a community that helps you think positively.
- Prune the Weeds: Sometimes, negative thoughts creep in like stubborn weeds. Recognize them and pluck them out. Replace them with the promises of God. It’s a process, but it’s worth it.
- Harvest with Gratitude: When you see positive changes in your life, celebrate them! Thank the Lord for His guidance, and don’t forget to be grateful for the little things too. A thankful heart is a joyful heart.
This isn’t about pretending that life’s all sunshine and roses. It’s about choosing to focus on the good, leaning on our faith, and letting God guide our thoughts. And hey, if you stumble and find a weed or two, don’t fret. Just get back to tending that garden, knowing that the Master Gardener’s got your back.
Happy gardening, and may your thoughts be as bountiful and beautiful as a springtime bloom!