It is a curious trait we have of, it seems, more easily seeing the negative or bad things (the thorns) around us, than the good. Some would say it is just human nature to focus on, or remember more, the bad. And yet, this does not serve us well in the end. Perhaps it relates to survival instincts, but maybe it’s more about our ‘fallen’ nature. The more we focus on something the bigger it comes, and so it fills our life.
Focussing our eyes on the beauty and good before us would seem not only able to cause the reality of bad to dissipate as an influence in our lives, but also ascend beyond our human nature. For in so doing we perhaps also help train our minds in to our divine identity. Such a strategy can certainly help us in the toughest of times, for as we make even the smallest of good things our focus, darkness gives way to light. Meditating on something that brings joy, hope, or life, is key to filling our soul with light. Ensuring that focus is on things from above and not on earth, including ourselves, ensures we feed ourselves with eternity. This divine sight does take mental effort, and most of all, help from above.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9)
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
(Matthew 6:22-23)
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
(Colossians 3:1-2)
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