Reframing thoughts through faith: Change the picture, change the frame.

Framed artwork photographed by Author in a Luxembourg Castle

I heard this quote from one of The Minimalists on their podcast this morning during “pithy comments” shared at the end of episode 509 “The Fix.” To be honest, I don’t recall all the brilliant wisdom he shared after that quote, as my mind began to drift to the mindset matters business I share with others in one form or another from IG reels to professional counseling sessions to evening debriefing with my spouse each day. The ways in which we choose to “frame” events/pictures/perspectives in our mind, empowers us to shift from feelings of self-pity or even depression to attitudes of gratitude and thanksgiving with practice and purposeful intentionality.

Honestly, I am learning so much from this podcast on minimalism. I wish I could take notes as I listen to them speak, but because I listen during my work commute, and already struggle enough with leaving my phone down while I’m driving, I feel compelled to remember my favorite golden nuggets of wisdom to the best of my ability. Yes, I could visit their website to read the essays they share, but I’m afraid I would want to quote all of it instead of simply focusing on one or two sentences that really stand out for application purposes in my own life. Recently one of the hosts shared an essay on “Regrets.” It was so well written and deeply profound, filled with lines like this one:

I regret every time my actions did not align with my values.

At the end he tied it all up neatly with a beautiful releasing bow stating that he will now let all of these regrets go… Before reading the essay on regrets they also shared this thought:

To worry is to pray for something bad to happen.

Wow. What a powerful concept, right? It immediately made me think of Matthew 6 where Jesus teaches us what to do about worrying in verse 34:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

In the forth chapter of the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul also reminds us not to be anxious (or worry) about anything:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (v. 6–7)

Therefore, if I choose to frame my picture within the context of knowing worrying is praying for something bad to happen, I GET TO intentionally replace worry or anxiety with hope, healing, and joy! That sounds much more like praying for something good to happen. Wouldn’t you agree?

The purpose for sharing this precious girl and her dog portrait in this love letter to you is this:

But ask the animals, and they will teach you,or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,or let the fish in the sea inform you.Which of all these does not knowthat the hand of the Lord has done this?In his hand is the life of every creatureand the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7–10 NIV)

It may very well happen that I will think of 2–5 more ideas I will later wish I had included here before publishing this essay; but I have learned overtime that it is better for me to write and post consistently with the objective of progress over perfection, rather than wait for my work to be complete. My written work is a reflection of me, and I am clearly a work in progress to be sure.

But guess what?!? I am CONFIDENT in this promise:

… being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

Until next time, happy reading, writing, coffee (or other beverage of your choosing) delighting, and Sweet Dreams…

P.S. If part of reframing your picture includes taking a break from social media to hit the reset button to clear your mind from the numbing effects of “doom scrolling”, you may be interested in checking out this video series on The 40-Day Social Media Fast shared with you by yours truly, © Grateful Gwen.