Out of Sight, Out of Mind….
We’ve all heard this common phrase at some point in our lives, be it when we try to limit our temptation of sweets or other vices. And, as a former fitness trainer, this method was very helpful towards goals of temperance or cessation (e.g. sweets, nicotine). As a former smoker, this method holds true. I found that if the cigarettes were in my view, I would likely fall back into the continued use of nicotine as a stress reliver. Yet, if they were no longer in my presence, my goals of cessation became successful.
However, now as I rethink this phrase on my spiritual journey, I have rephrased the saying to, “In sight, in my mind,” as a gentle reminder throughout my day to put on the mind of Christ. So as a practice, I always begin with a necklace of the crucifix around me. It is something so small yet so powerful. I was blessed to receive this idea as a loved one sent me a small pendant necklace of the Virgin Mary as a gift for my journey to Operation Iraqi Freedom at the start of the conflict in 2003. I wore this necklace each day I was deployed. In my experience, each time I felt it swing around my neck, or I placed my fingers on the pendant, I received peace and hope. I cherished this experience and truly grew in my spirituality with the notion that each day we must put on the mind of Christ.
Nonetheless, I am a sinner that needs daily reminders of the beauty of our faith in Christ. Therefore, in addition to my necklace, I decorate my home with small religious keepsakes, and I generally catch sight of one of these beautiful reminders when I am feeling defeated. Like a warm embrace, I am filled with hope yet again.
I encourage you to try this gentle practice that may give you more strength, hope, love, and understanding throughout your journey. God bless.
Prayer: My Lord and Savior help me to always keep you close. Let me not ever be separated from your love and embrace. Help me to draw strength from the small moments in life as a reminder that you are always near. May I always put on the mind of You so that I may be an example of Your love to others. Amen. By Isabel Anderson
Love thy neighbor as thyself 