Center of Your Life

A few weeks ago I heard a pastor say that "the center of your life is what you think about most".  Now, that is a truly profound statement when you look at it from several points.  Things pop into our heads that many times will lead to another topic. 

If someone thinks about money more than anything else does that mean that person is selfish and greedy, or does it mean that person is ambitious and determined.  Obviously, we can't only go by the one or two word topic.  It would have to go beyond that, it would have to point to some of the options that coincide with the topic.  Does the person then drift to hoarding money or spending it on frivolous things to 'one-up' someone they envy?  Or, does the person then drift to investing or saving or paying down a huge bill so their future is more secure? 

What do you think about the most; money, travel, health, food, etc.?  I've tried to pinpoint what I think about the most and several things come to mind but I can't say any particular one.  Is that because I don't want to face the fact?  Would most of us have a problem with narrowing down the list to only one item or would most us waffle between 2 or 3? 

I think the biggest decision in this quest is where does your thought take you, where do you eventually end up and then what would you label that topic.  I find that I think about my cancer more than any other one thing.  However, that thought-path almost always takes me to the ultimate point of it all.  The One.  Yahweh.
My journey always leads me to many reminders:  My personal bible verse is Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  This single verse is my mantra and I share it with others so that they will also know that His love is a safe haven whenever a personal battle strikes. 
Another reminder that comes along in my thought-path is how profoundly moved I am when I hear music that speaks to me.  I love just about everything that Lynda Randall sings, that George Gershwinn or Cole Porter wrote, that the Gaithers perform, or when most patriotic songs are played.  This music literally chokes me up and has been known to bring tears to my eyes.  It's rather nice to know that my shell can be cracked with a song.  Music does speak to the heart and soul of man, but only if we let it.

Inner strength comes from the Creator, our acceptance of Him and His grace and mercy.  I have a brown paper bag hanging on my upper cabinet door that has been there for several years and was given to me by a friend.  On it is a large label that says, simply, "God Bag".  People usually will ask about it and then I get a chance to explain that all our praises and applause belong to Him and our fears and worries and concerns belong to Him also.  One of my dear friends is battling cancer and one of my cousins was recently diagnosed with cancer and I thank God that both of them are good and faithful servants for I know that He will be with them through their journey. 

So, as your mind wanders here and there during the day, try to pay attention to where it takes you, what port does it settle into for a while.  You will find out a lot about yourself, some good and some not so good, but finding out is important.  That's the ultimate pondering...