I am not very good with homework. I always put it off until the last minute, but, this session of counseling really intrigued me. Dr. Karen gave me examples of one situation, the different thoughts one might have, the different feelings they inspire, and the actions that result. She explained that our thoughts can come from many things like habit or history and if we can change what we think we can ultimately change our feelings and our actions. Forgive me for taking a portion of scripture out of it’s context, but, this is what God revealed to me in prayer – Romans 12:2 says I can be transformed by the renewing of my mind, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells me I can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. So if God says I can affect my thinking and good results will come from that, then I’ll give it a try.

Stopping and looking at my thoughts is not a pleasant thing, I generally find they are selfish, grumpy, depressed, irritated, anxious, and generally negative. For instance, I was called to see if I could come in to work early and I think to myself, “I shouldn’t have answered the phone,” ” I was looking forward to having some time to play computer games and read my book,” “They know I’ll say yes because I can’t lie and tell them I’ve got plans,”  I’m not worthy of time to myself,” “My husband expects me to take extra hours to help with the finances,” “My co-worker is sick and needs me to come in so I don’t have a choice.” So now I’m feeling irritated, angry, depressed, anxious, and conflicted. I cannot focus at work and I’m not patient with customers, I have a headache, and my conversations with co-workers involve a lot of complaining. So what if I think of things from a different perspective: “I have the opportunity to get extra hours so my check will stretch farther,” “My co-worker needs time to get better and I am available to help.” Even just those two thoughts would change my feelings. I would feel happy and thankful and I would be pleasant at work and have more energy.

I don’t expect this to come easy, situations arise and I may not have time to check my thoughts before responding, but, with time and practice I will have new habits and better, healthier responses.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)