I looked out my window this morning and my newly planted tree was wilting! “Did I forget to water it?” I wondered to myself.
I obviously had forgotten and the poor tree was feeling the lack of life giving water. The flowers were folding up and the leaves were wilted.
Quickly I ran out to water it!
As I thought about my tree, I realized this is a perfect example of me many days. If I go too long without nourishing my mind, I start to wilt.
I wilt by loosing my temper and saying things I don’t mean. I wilt by retreating into a self pitying shell. I wilt by focusing on what I don’t have and what is not going well rather than the blessings right before me.
Just like my little pear tree needs consistent watering, I need to consistently water my mind to be able to bloom!
Question: What are some things you do to water your mind so you’re able to bloom?
Great analogy Claudia. I had the same thing happen last year when I grew tomatoes on my deck. I have a tendency to over-water and kill plants – so I was trying not to do that. But I looked out and saw the poor plants totally withered. Amazing how quickly they perked back up once I watered them. I find if I don’t have my time with the Lord in the mornings – if I oversleep or something else interrupts – I definitely wilt. I get anxious over things that normally wouldn’t bother me – I get impatient and snap when I would’ve just let it go. Definitely need my watering every morning.
Ann,
I’m glad your tomatoes came back! Plants are so resilient that way…
I am realizing I am the same. More resilient than I thought 🙂 but I still need that consistent watering to stay healthy.
When did you start getting up early? Has this always been a habit of yours?
Hi Claudia,
For me, I wilt when my day starts off rushed and I don’t have my quiet time to reflect and pray. It seems I never catch up and then I find myself frustrated.
I can really relate to you here Cindy! I guess it is a good indication of how important it is 🙂
I like your comparison Claudia!
Here are some things I do to water my mind:
Read my Bible
Check out the blogs I read
Spend time with my wife
Exercising
Thanks Joe!
Great list of sources of refreshment… you draw from multiple areas! I’m sure this helps you stay well balanced.
I like how you included spending time with your wife 🙂
Blessings
Claudia,
I journal, read devotionals, and listen to sermons. Also, this time of year, I love to just sit on the deck and look at the yard.
FYI — Plants and trees have amazing resiliency and we do as well.
Have a Victorious Day!
Marianne Clements
Victory Christian Coaching
I love to be outside too Marianne! This is one of my favorite ways to refresh my mind and spirit.
For me, it starts with literally “watering” my body with good things. I can tell a huge change when I get off my whole food regimen and start letting a little pizza, chips or ice cream (my nemesis!) into the routine. My body starts feeling bad, and my mind follows. In many ways, the body follows the mind, but for me I find if I keep my body healthy, my mind is able to function better. The mind and body are so inter-related. My mind fertilizer is thus:
– Great whole foods + Water
– Walking every day (does a huge good for your hormones)
– Quiet time to myself in the morning
Michael,
Chips are my nemesis too! They are just so crunchy and good! I can’t keep them in the house.
… and I’m getting thirsty just reading your comment!
ok. I got a drink. better.
Food, exercise and daily quiet time. What a powerhouse for your whole being!
And talk about fertilizer… you are gardening right? Did you ever hear of putting raw milk on your plants for fertilizer?
Raw milk?! I’ve never heard that before. Maybe finding a local cow is in order. Ha! I am just learning about the organic ways of gardening. Using seaweed and fish concentrates at the moment. I just googled the Raw Milk as fertilizer and everything seems to be surrounded around one particular guy that causing a stir on it, but some forums show it as promising. Using like 4oz per a gallon of water, it can go a long way. Thanks for telling me!
We were talking to the farmer where we get milk each week and we were asking what he does with his left over skim milk from the cream and cheese they sell.
He said they spread it on their fields as fertilizer.
He said other people that buy milk there have tried rinsing out their milk glass with water and pouring it on their plants and have had wonderful results!
I am in the process of trying it right now. I’ll have to let you know how it turns out!
Please do! Is it truly raw milk or is it partially pasturized? We have a local farm that sells partially pasturized milk. I think Georgia law requires it as I’ve heard of local folks here that make a “milk run” across the border to South Carolina.
Michael,
It is truly raw milk. We just got back from the farm a few hours ago. We go right into a “store” attached to the barn and pick it up. A “milk run.” That’s sounds pretty funny. Sounds like the prohibition days.
That’s a great analogy! Claudia, I’m constantly doing things to make sure my mind is clear, focused, and not wilting. I do what I can to remain in a state of “thanks”… Being thankful has to be one of my biggest life savers. People tend to push this one aside, but I think gratitude really keeps us fresh, open, and looking ahead into more things to be thankful about. I read great posts like this, and listen to great messages and great music. The kind of music that makes you excited to be alive… I run, exercise, and pay attention to my health… I invest in my family, and I seek clarity, energy, and focus… The more I input throughout the day, the less of a chance my mind will wilt, even standing in the midst of tough times.
Rob,
I just said to Michael I really like how you share your passion for remaining thankful… it has inspired us to do the same. So Thank YOU!!
You are doing an amazing job pursuing all the things that keep you not just alive but fully alive! Keep at it… glad to join you.
btw somehow Michael and I just started talking and laughing again about your dumpster diving for sod story hahahha! Love it.
Hahaha! Oh you too aren’t going to let me get away the dumpster diving deal… Love it 🙂 I can proudly wear the “Sod from Dumpster” badge
can’t ever forget a great story Rob! 🙂