Consider: “Don’t Overthink It”

In Don’t Overthink It, Anne Bogel addresses a mental cycle to which many of us can relate. The book discusses how to take control of our minds and stop wasting mental energy on stuff that doesn’t need or deserve it. The broad principle is that “living well depends upon thinking well — about the things that matter.”

Here is a brief excerpt on values and decisions:

Ally explained that her decisions today flowed naturally out of her core values — values she had decided would guide her future decision-making…

Because Ally has this big-picture value firmly in place and consciously relies on it when making decisions, she doesn’t agonize about how to spend her time, money, and energy. …In the same way, when we have a broader vision for our lives, many of the decisions we face become simple, because we have a reliable framework for making them. Because we made a single decision — that is, deciding on a big-picture value — we can see all other decisions as parts of a whole instead of as an endless string of isolated decisions. When a decision touches on our values, we have little to think about. With our internal world in order we can move outward in the right direction. These values can guide our lives in the big pieces and the day-to-day stuff. Whether we’re going to Thailand or the grocery store, what we do can flow naturally out of who we are.

 

These books are set here as possibilities for you to explore. Posts and links are not endorsements or paid publicity.

Stop and Study the Roses

Life lived at a high pace exacts a greater cost than we realize. The ability to slow down and take time to study and pen thoughts is seen as a luxury when it should be seen as a necessity. — Ravi Zacharias in Beyond Opinion

Why do we take time to study Scripture, or dig into a good book, or have a rich conversation, or just think? Do we take that time because it is important, or do we actually see it as a luxury — nice if it works out but no urgency?

We are good stewards of the mind and materials given to us. Or, if you prefer: You have a brain, use it. Most, if not all, of us reading this are highly educated. This blessing of education is on top of the brain with which we were born. Both mind and education are gifts, so why waste them? Further, we have access to more intellectual material at this point in history than any other point. We have books to read, libraries to visit, classes to take, lectures to absorb — such abundance! How are we using that for good?

We communicate the glory of God. The context of the Zacharias quotation above is apologetics — defending your faith. If we are not dwelling on truth and wrestling with concepts, what do we have to share? What answers do we have to questions? How can we encourage each other? Fulfilling our calling (I Peter 2:9) requires some thought.

Let us labour assiduously to increase in knowledge, that ours may be a deeply rooted and rational affection. — William Wilberforce in A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians…Contrasted with Real Christianity

In addition to stewardship and sharing, Wilberforce points out one more reason above. We can love God more deeply. If we know only one aspect of who God is, we can worship Him greatly. But how much greater will our love be when we learn more? We may be thankful now for the water cycle, but our awe and gratitude will grow as we understand the solar system also. A basic understanding of salvation is a cause for overwhelming joy. How much more is in store as we continue in exploration of what God has done?