Daily Stop & Thinks

Reading II

Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are. (Mason Cooley, late college professor)

The Coronavirus pandemic gave most of us a lot of time at home to do nothing—or to find productive activity. As Cooley says, reading can get us out of the isolation and “do nothing” idleness that can be so unhealthy. Choose a good book—or several—and move away into adventure and learning that can encourage you and change your attitude about the hard times.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance (Proverbs 1:5).

Reading I

The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page. (Rachel Anders, author)

Literacy is one of life’s most importance achievements. Even with modern technology, we often have to “read” what’s being transmitted in cyber space. Opening a book may actually open a whole lifetime of learning because as fiction writer Dianne Duane, wrote, “Reading one book is like eating one potato chip.” You just can’t stop; so reading—and learning—goes on.

The Apostle Paul from prison: “When you come, be sure to bring. . . my books, and especially my papers (2 Timothy 4:13).

Pleasure

Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it. (Søren Kierkegard, 19^th century Danish philosopher)

“Breathless” and “haste,” indeed, are two words that clearly express the pace of life in 21^st century America. And it is also clear that it’s the pursuit of pleasure that seems to drive so many in modern society. Author Janelle Bruland asks, “When was the last time you stopped, and simply enjoyed what you are doing in the moment?” In slowing down perhaps you will find joy.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

Impossibilities

Every noble work is at first impossible. (Thomas Carlyle, 19^th century British essayist)

“It can’t be done!” Haven’t you heard that before? Who would have thought 20 years ago that you could sit in a meeting, separated from your colleagues by miles, but able to see and hear them and speak into the meeting as well. Somebody thought it was possible, and here we are with “virtual” meetings of all kinds. Never say “Never.”

[Jesus] replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27).

Self-Control

Not being able to govern events, I govern myself. (Michel de Montaigne, 16^th century French philosopher)

How often do we wish we could change things around us? We might say, “If only…,” and we are frustrated that we aren’t in control. Perhaps we should consider Montaigne’s idea. If we could successfully manage ourselves, maybe the example of our own self-control could be an incentive for others—even those who are in charge—to exercise wisdom and care.

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control (1 Peter 1:13).

Contentment

We are not born with the instinct for contentment; rather, it is learned. (Howard Dayton, author)

Is it ambition, greed, or simple boredom? Whatever the cause, a lot of people seem to be dissatisfied with their place in or the pace of their lives. As Dayton suggests, contentment is not born in us. It’s our nature always to be wanting more or, at least, different. To learn to be content is a worthy and important goal to pursue.

So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires (1 Timothy 6:8-9).

Choices

The choices that we make in our life, indeed determine the kind of results that we experience and the quality of the life that we live. (Sumeet Jain, engineer and educator)

As children mature, they begin to learn what adults have known for a long time. There are many things in life over which we have no control. But! Have you come to realize that you do control the choices you make every day? How to make right choices is a fundamental principle we all must learn.

A wise person chooses the right road; a fool takes the wrong one (Ecclesiastes 10:2).

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).

Stand Firm 

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. (Abraham Lincoln)

Standing firm is an admirable character trait. Being sure of what you believe and defending it strongly is important. But, as Lincoln suggests, what you’re standing on—your argument or your belief—is really the important issue. Arguing strongly on a questionable principle is like trying to stand firmly on a slippery slope or a mossy rock. Be sure that what you’re standing on is right.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong (1 Corinthians 6:13).

Opportunity

You can never relive a moment. You can’t relive an opportunity. But you can be ready for the next adventure. (Chris Suitt, minister)

How often have you wished that you could “relive a moment”? Wouldn’t you like to take back those words you said in anger? Or, do you still regret that you didn’t take that good job offer when you were afraid to take a chance? Well, you can’t have a “redo,” but, as Suitt says, you can prepare for the future and be ready to accept a new challenge with courage and determination.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:16).

Faith

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. (Martin Luther King, Jr., late civil rights leader)

We talk about “people of faith,” but in reality everyone lives by faith. Whether it’s a small thing, like trusting the chair to hold you when you sit down, or matters of more consequence like trusting your investments to earn dividends in a fluid marketplace. Of course, it’s not how much faith you have but what/who it is you’re trusting in. Where have you placed your faith and trust?

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. . . It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)

Others

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. (Benjamin Franklin)

We’ve all known people like Franklin writes about. The self-centered person is difficult to be around, and certainly almost impossible to engage in a meaningful two-way conversation. But, aren’t we all a bit like that? We are so consumed with our own interests and involvements that we often don’t see the other person’s value or needs and how we might profit from or help them.

Don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too (Philippians 2:3-4)

Purpose

Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. (Washington Irving, 19^th century writer)

“I wish I could run in the Olympics.” “I wish I could be a concern pianist.” The wish list could go on and on. We have wishes to be or to do, but wishing by itself won’t work. Irving may be suggesting that we need to turn our wishes into iron-clad purposes. Evaluate your abilities and opportunities, plan well, then set out to achieve your “wish.” And … seek God’s purpose.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21).

So I run with purpose in every step (1 Corinthians 9:26).