One of the lessons I learned from my dad has revisited my mind lately. He had a strong faith that I witnessed on many occasions.  We were walking one evening and I asked if he was nervous about an upcoming cancer appointment.  His reply, “No. That is nothing to dwell on.”  What? Huh? Denial? I was confused. He then shared that he does not think about or dwell on negativity, as that gives those “things” power. He put his effort and thoughts on positivity and God.

Paul when writing to the Romans said, “Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.”  I have so tried to emulate that, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing miserably. Recently, I discovered a lump in my neck.  I am a 14-year cancer survivor, so I know not to waste time. After sonograms and scans, the lump in my neck was confirmed benign.  Yay! But….it was there and visible and getting a lot of my attention.  I kept touching it, checking for growth, pain etc.  I heard BENIGN, but was still not letting go. One day, when praying, I said, “God, I am going to fix my attention on you! I will not touch my lump again, nor will I let it enter my mind. I am letting go.”  Three months later, at a doctor’s appointment…..my benign lump was gone! I refused to give it power. Can benign lumps go away, yes, but I wasn’t even thinking of the lump, too busy focusing my attention on God.

Jesus loves us unconditionally. I think He loves when we fix our attention on HIM and not ourselves. If we invest our thoughts on goodness and love and thanksgiving and forgiveness, we are on the right path to Him. Be well in Christ.

Jill