Sometimes thoughts come in the weirdest of ways. For instance, I recently watched as a loved one prepared for a colonoscopy. We all know about the lovely “cocktail” we mix up and begin partaking the evening before the procedure.

The cocktail begins after an entire week of eliminating foods we love and enjoy to eat. During that week, we find ourselves desiring foods on the “Do Not Eat” list that we haven’t even eaten in months, maybe years.

Then we start the magic potion, and the process of cleaning out. By the time it is all over, we are emptied. Totally empty.

As unpleasant as the process may be, when we are at the point of emptied, we feel lighter and better. There is an awareness of all we had carried about with us, none of it benefiting us in any way.

“The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our mind.”

(Thomas Merton)

We must empty ourselves spiritually, as well, cleaning out our souls of that which does us no good. There is no benefit from dragging these around with us our entire life, as there is nothing to be gained.

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.” (Colossians 3:8, NLT)

We must take action, do the work of emptying ourselves. And the time is now. Not one of these emotions will lead to actions that will bring about anything good or positive in our lives.

Once emptied, we have room for our souls to be filled with His goodness.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (Colossians 3:12-13, NASB)

We are to pursue and put on the qualities mentioned. We are to bear with one another and forgive one another. This will be tested everyday.These qualities are the very means by which we will stand apart from the world.

And as if that is not hard enough, then Paul tells me … “Beyond all these things, put on” some more:

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
(Colossians 3:14, NASB)

We empty ourselves, not only to fill our souls, but to go beyond.

The world is looking for unity, often looking for it in the wrong places. We find unity by pursuing the the heart of Christ, and then going beyond to love. We can only love others as our hearts are filled with the love of God and that is the means by which we gain the perfect bond of unity.

We empty ourselves,
to be filled with Christ’s qualities,
and to go beyond.

How can we handle times of grief? In her transparent and and heartfelt way, Jen Avellaneda shares, “The only way to tackle grief is through; boldly, bravely, painfully.” You can read her post, “Don’t Leave Your Dreams on a Notepad For Someone Else to Find” HERE.

Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Today I am joining … Recharge Wednesday .