“Life out there in the mad world remains what it is, so we all need a quiver of gentle reminders — signs, symptoms, barometers — that let us know if we’re living a sane life, healing the vessel God fills, creating opportunities for him to fill us. . . . we must shepherd our heart and soul with kindness and compassion . . .”- John Eldredge
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”- Proverbs 4:25 (NIV)
In Chapter 14 (“The Simple Daily Things”), the final chapter of Get Your Life Back, John Eldredge reminds us how easy it is to just go with the flow:
“Life picks up momentum like a car on downhill ice, and it’s so easy to just go with it. The pain is addictive; it gives us a false sense of purpose while also relieving us of paying attention to the deeper things.”
As a result, we lose awareness of God’s presence. We wonder where He’s been all day. But in reality, the correct question to ask is, “Where did I go all day?”
Most significantly, symptoms that we’re running on fumes include: the flinch, wince, long hesitation, unhappy sighs, and avoidance. Other gauges include our capacity for relationship and overdependence on substances like sugar and caffeine. However, positive barometers also exist. And they’re much better for us to watch. For example, do you find yourself making room for beauty, nature , or the act of simply loving God?
In addition, John advocates making your home or apartment a place that feels restorative to your soul. Because you want your ‘space’ to function as your sanctuary and haven.
Finally, the author considers the ability to hope and dream another good sign. Do you look forward to your future? What dreams occupy your thoughts? Or do you hunker down and brace yourself against the world? Here’s what John suggests:
“Maybe you simply need some carefree time on lonesome roads, the frenzy of your world fading in the rearview mirror.”
Today’s question: What quiver of gentle reminders helps to heal the vessel God fills? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “”Dragging your soul along behind you?”
