Think!

Tom Barnard

 

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything

 is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

(Philippians 4:8)

 

Helen Keller lived her entire life without being able to hear or see. She lived to be 87 years of age in a world without color and without sound. Early in her student days she discovered that her physical handicaps “were not an essential part of my being, since they were not in any way a part of my mind.” This faith in herself was confirmed when she came upon one of Descartes’ philosophical maxims, “I think, therefore I am.” She said,

 

“Those five emphatic words waked something in me that has never slept since. I knew then that my mind could be a positive instrument of happiness, bridging over the dark, silent void with concepts of a vibrant, light-flooded happiness. I learned that it is possible for us to create light and sound and order within us, no matter what calamity may befall us in the outer world.”

 

The Apostle Paul knew enough about life to know that some things are true…some things are noble…some things are right…some things are pure…some things are lovely…some things are admirable.

 

Paul knew that these things can be experienced in life without our actually seeing and touching and feeling them. Because we can think about these values, they are both excellent and praiseworthy. And they are here for us to discover and enjoy.

 

Heavenly Father, I know that reality extends beyond my physical senses. I have discovered that you love me, even though I cannot see you with my eyes or touch you with my hands or hear your voice audibly in my ears. I have discovered there are “ideas” in this world that are mine to explore, and that these “ideas” are as real as anything I can experience in life. Help me to think on things that uplift me, encourage me, challenge me, correct me, and direct me God-ward and heavenward.  In the Name of your Son I pray. Amen.