For no immediately apparent reason beyond having some free time on my hands, I did a weird thing.
I took inventory of all the stuff I’ve allowed into my mind over these many years.
Thoughts, ideas, images, considerations of good and evil, and the unspeakably secret. The worries, hopes, dreams, and beliefs that have consumed so much nogginmatter—complete with smiles, sweat, tears, and all.
I do this kinda thing every so often. It’s a remarkably efficient way to rein in my pride and ego whenever I’m inclined to think a little more of myself than the evidence supports.
A real humility builder.
The list was long. Really long. And while it held plenty of recollections of things good, noble, and clean, the dirt, filth, and sewage occupied an uncomfortable amount of space.
As a man thinks, so his heart shall be. Proverbs 23:7. Your thoughts shape who you are.
What we entertain in our minds eventually finds expression in our words, our choices, and the way we treat those around us. Even the thoughts we keep secret rarely remain without consequence.
Fortunately, much of my sewage comes from years long past and has long since been forgiven. I don’t need to drag it all back out to punish myself, but remembering what once occupied my mind helps me recognize what I’m still allowing in.
Some old grievances have enjoyed free room and board long enough. Some worries have taken far more than their share. And some things good, noble, and clean deserve considerably more space.
Changing the way we think can change how we see the world, how we live in it, and what we contribute to the lives around us.
Weird? Yes.
But I think it’s worth taking inventory once in a while—to purge what pollutes, renew what’s been neglected, and redirect the trajectory of the mind.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Phillipians 4:8
