instead

Instead of dwelling in my old, set ways in this comfortable space, maybe I need to try “Shoshin”. According to Kelly Chausovsky, “Shoshin” is a Buddist term that means having a beginner’s mind or an attitude of openness and eagerness for whatever one encounters in life. It’s that willingness to set aside expectations and preconceived ideas and live fully.

Instead of being consumed by my thoughts and thinking negative outcomes, I need to start the day’s mindset with a song of joy in my heart. Instead of alone, try a “with” someone. That might be a phone call chat or a walk with a friend. It might be dancing in the kitchen to an upbeat song or smiling and chatting with others on a walk in nature. Instead of a complaint, it’s a word of gratitude.

For some, instead of sliding into their car and racing off to work, they now slide out of the warm sheets, feet touching the cold floor as they pitter patter down the hall in their pajamas to work. Instead of worrying about health, our kids, our finances, the world tells us that there are solutions, but my source of strength comes from prayer. And instead of sliding into despair because of disappointments, I can rest in God’s Word and believe His promises.

Instead of getting psyched up for a trip to sunny weather, palm trees and ocean waves, it’s time to put on the runners, pull up the hoodie and venture into nature wandering trails and keeping a brisk pace to ward off the chill in the morning air. Instead of stationary, it’s mobility.

Instead of living in fear and wondering or worrying about the future or the state of the world, I read the bible verses of wisdom and reassurances. Matthew 6:31-34 tells us:

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

And so, instead of worry, choose wonder. Instead of striped, try solid. Instead of vanilla, try pistaccio. Instead of death, choose life. Live it fully in Christ.