Casting our minds

     Okay, I'm really not trying to rub it in with this picture, but I've been thinking about the beauty of the Abacos once again.  William Butler Yeats, the great Irish poet, wrote; "Cast your mind on other days..."  I love that, because it's another gift of this mind that the Lord has given us.  We have the power and the privilege to "cast our mind" upon other things when we need a change in perspective or priorities.
      In the midst of winter, we have thoughts of spring.  When struggling with sorrow, we recall all the sweet consolations Christ has given us in Himself and in those beloved people in our lives.  When tempted to succumb to envy or discontentment with our lot, we can start to simply count our blessings.   "Keep calm and count on."  And when we need a bit of light in our lives, we remember the laughter, the beauty, and the joys of fellowship and friendship.
     Sometimes it just helps to take a little trip in our minds, and start casting about for all that God has done for us and in us, doesn't it?  It won't take long before you feel that gratitude welling up and the joy spilling over.
     So right now, I'm just casting my mind for a moment upon the white sands and blue waters of the Bahamas.  And thinking: what a world our Lord has fashioned for those He loves!
     And what a God that He would give us the gift of friendship to enjoy that world.  You know, it always greatly enhances the joy and wonder in seeing something beautiful if you can turn to someone else and say, "O my, would you look at that?!  Can you believe that?!"  It's like eating a delicious meal with your eyes--that food always tastes great, (especially chocolate cake) but add some dear family and friends to the mix, and even the simplest repast becomes a joyous feast!
     So today, might we all do some casting with our minds--first to our great God and then to His gracious gifts in our lives.  Let's stop casting our minds upon we think we lack and start casting to all God has left to us in His grace and goodness. And while we're at it, let's cast our minds upon all the things we are thankful for in the people we love rather than the few things about them that irritate us!
     We'll give ingratitude and grumpiness the boot if we'll just recast our minds.
     For with the Lord, we'll always find a continual feast.  To God be the glory.