Simple Reminders

Throughout his garden and around his yard, my friend Hunter has painted pieces of driftwood. On top of the paint are written words such as Gratitude. Hope. Peace. These are simple reminders of where he wants his heart and mind to be at any given moment. It is amazing how well this works.

In his book, “Social Animal,” David Brooks bears out the science behind the power of suggestion. He asserts that behavioral economists have learned, “If you tell somebody stories about high achievement just before they perform some test or exercise, they will perform better than if you had not told them those stories. If you merely use the words “succeed, “master” and “achieve” in a sentence, they will (also) do better… On the other hand, if you play into negative stereotypes, they will do worse.”

Isn’t that interesting? The messages we surround ourselves with make a difference. The little things we hear from ourselves and others make a difference in how we live.

I wonder what messages you need to hear at this stage in your life.  What simple reminders could you place around your home, office, or garden to remember them?

Let us pray: Loving God, we remember that you have created us as complex and deep individuals and that we are capable of way more than we can ever begin to imagine. We do need your guidance. We need signposts and other people along the journey. We ask this not only for ourselves but for others – especially those who feel lost or far from you. Today, fill each of us with your grace that we may know your love for us at the very deepest part of our being. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.