Hello again, friends.
I hope this finds you rested and prepared for what’s to come this week. Every day feels a little bit like a surprise right now, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, most of the daily surprises coming our way don’t feel welcomed. This morning, I’m praying you would be surprised in a sweet way today…by seeing Jesus afresh, by a call or note from a friend, by some good news regarding a sick loved one, by a finished project, by peace.
My mom recently recommended a book to me called The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley. In it, Earley shares a framework for developing ‘habits of purpose for an age of distraction.’ This morning, as we begin a new week, I’ve been reflecting on one of the weekly habits presented in this book. Earley encourages his readers to curate media consumption thoughtfully. He suggests that ‘should we do nothing, someone else’s stories will curate our lives for us.” I’m finding this to be truer now more than ever. We are being relentlessly bombarded by stories from all sides. Regardless of your media platform of choice, the coronavirus and ensuing regulations have let loose a cacophony of articles, opinions, suggestions, reports, political stances, economic stances, judgements, requirements, etc. The voices are loud. And they are everywhere.
I’ve always loved Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (ESV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. (NLT)
Friends, as we begin a fresh week, let’s be vigilant about guarding our hearts. One very practical way to do this is to carefully curate what we allow IN to our minds. Earley recommends curating media for beauty, justice, and community. I love this. Even in this very chaotic time, there are stories of beauty to be found. There are ways to help, and to be softened to the vulnerable amongst us. And there are ways to engage in community. Will you join me this week in thoughtfully curating what messages we allow to be a part of our story?
Thoughtfully,
Kate
Thoughts from The Yellow House 