Evicting annoying person from my head

Last night I had difficulty getting to sleep. One of the people that had been living rent free in my head decided to squat on my property again uninvited. If you don’t know what I mean by this then read the prior post 5 Valuable People to Dwell On.  I successfully re-evicted this guy today applying principles from some prior posts.  Think of me as your real life case study on how to get people out of your head who are driving you crazy.  Here’s what happened…

Yesterday, I heard that a former man who used to stress me to no end was up to his old tricks.  When I went to bed I found myself rehearsing old history or living out fantasy scenario’s of things I wished I had said. I would try to let go by reading or praying. My bed side lamp got turned on and off for a couple of hours as I restlessly grappled with this hurting angry old cuss in my head.  Hours of sleep were getting rapidly eaten up.  I finally drifted off to sleep around 1:00 a.m.  This morning I had the sobering realization that I was going to have to practice the things I have been preaching via this blog. So, I took action.

I observed my morning devotion. I read a prayer from John Baillie’s, Diary of Private Prayer and wrote out a prayer focused entirely upon the needs of others. (see post, Praying Only for Others)  Specifically, I prayed for several people I know whom have experienced recent deaths and are deeply grieving. I read the first four chapters of Proverbs and meditated upon the merits and ways of wisdom. These two activities took me about twenty to thirty minutes.

Next, I selected an inspiring figure of faith that I admire and reflected upon him using Tip #1 Make Lists, from my post 5 Ways to Dwell on Good People. I selected George Washington Carver and listed 10 admirable qualities about him and 10 activities he did regularly. This is what I came up with…

Admirable qualities of George Washington Carver
1. Not tied to Money
2. Loved the Lord
3. Appreciated the beauty of nature
4. Discerning
5. Persevered injustice without complaining
6. Joy filled
7. Compassionate
8. Intelligent
9. Inspiring
10. Young at Heart

Activities Carver did regularly
1. Arose early, went to a sit spot and sought God’s direction for the day
2. Painted beautiful images of nature (he actually had artwork displayed in a world’s fair exhibit)
3. Studied and taught the Word
4. Sought to solve problems that would benefit others
5. Adopted mentees
6. Gave freely from what he had
7. Physically worked hard
8. Was very resourceful in reusing what others would discard
9. Constantly made learning a game
10. Played music that honored God and brought joy to others

In writing this list and posting it I am employing Tip #4, Teach or Tell. It gives me another opportunity to dwell on or reinforce the reworking of my mind. I fully expect to employ Tip #2, Imitate, by putting some of Carver’s habits into action later today in my life.

After making my lists, I wrote a prayer to carry into the day. It began as, “God help me this day to lead a life honoring You.”  I shortened it to “God help me to honor you today.”  Then I shortened it even more to a prayerful declaration, “Honor God.”

All of this may have taken me close to an hour to do, but it was an hour well spent. The ornery cuss in my head is long gone from the premises. My heart and mind are now rightfully focused on things above. I am talking and listening to God, rather than my anger and resentments.

All of this is to say, these principles and practices that I am sharing work. I live by them.  They are one way I experience God’s abundance of life. What I share with you, I use and live. I love God more for it and find myself able to be more Christ-like. Blessings to you as you apply these things in your own life. I would love to hear your stories of struggles and victories. Please share them as they occur. With gratitude, The Practical Disciple.