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I think we would all agree that our thoughts determine so much about who we are and who we become. This is not a new concept. We read in the Bible, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7.
Our thoughts are determined by the sum total of our experiences, and our knowledge. I have been thinking about the influence that our knowledge of history plays into this equation. History expands our understanding in so many ways.
If we think of living our life on one flat, straight, horizontal time line. Then think of nothing beyond than our day to day existence in our little world, we may have a very difficult time thinking abundantly about our lives.
The entitlement issues of our time may spring from this flat, linear, in-the-moment focus on life. Jealousy and selfishness and coveting have their roots in this myopic way of viewing life also.
History teaches us to be grateful, to develop compassion and love, and to appreciate the sacrifices of others. This happens through our knowledge of people and historical events that had an impact on us.
How much differently might we view our designer shoe envy if we thought about how much of the world is barefoot, or wearing
hand-me-down shoes that don't fit? How many would be depressed over those new hiking boots they can't afford if they thought about the pioneers' trek across the plains in winter? They had blood soaked feet wrapped in dirty rags walking those frozen trails. And many that left that trail of blood in the snow were little children like your precious grandchildren or ours.
I think it is our responsibility to learn about the history of the world, so that we can see the evolution of man is not so much about his body, as it is about other aspects of his life. It boggles the mind to see the advances in our way of life in just the past 50 years. We have been blessed with a continuously increasing better lifestyle than those who have gone before us. We know that the poorest among us live better and more abundantly than kings in platial mansions of the past.
Stephen R. Covey in his teachings wrote and spoke often about the differences between an abundant mentality and a scarcity mentality. http://franklincoveystephenpearson.blogspot.com/2011/01/abundance-mentality-vs-scarcity.html
Simplifying his words quite bit, the scarcity mentality always see life as lacking in some way. The scarcity thinker never has satisfaction or contentment in life. They are always coveting what someone else has or does or is. The scarcity thinking never allows for any gratitude to produce contentment. There is never enough for everyone.
The abundant thinking gives one the exact opposite result. Happiness, thankfulness, appreciation, and even more patience in our trials and tribulations. It includes that there is an abundance of good for everyone.
Sometimes we hear that we must learn about history because it will help us avoid the mistakes of the past. Who has not heard that in a history class? Then also the idea juxtaposed with it that history always repeats itself. Is this an oxymoron? If it is to help us prevent similar mistakes, why is it constantly repeating itself?
Maybe that isn't the reason for embracing history at all. I suggest that the purpose for learning history is different. History gives us a reference point to formulate our own thinking about just about everything. Comparison to something different than what we know, helps us evaluate our current conditions and conclusions.
I am reminded of our visit this past year to England. We took the wonderful opportunity to visit Chatsworth. It is the most amazing Grand Home in England. The mansion and estate is incredibly opulent and an extremely gorgeous place, set in the lush rolling hills of northern England. It has been owned by the same family, The Dukes of Devonshire for centuries. Millions upon millions of pounds have been spent on it. There is nothing lacking from what the eye can see. They have a fortune in furniture, art work, fine china and crystal, sculptures, water features, landscaping, Fresco ceilings and the like. There are 100+ rooms in the house.
Chatsworth House
Google images~all 3
The Grand Staircase
An Estate The Size of Washington D.C.
A person with no understanding of history would think wow, they really had it all! Or our house looks like a shack by comparison. Or how can we think that the world is moving forward? These guys wanted for nothing. The women were dripping in gorgeous gowns and jewels. They didn't work, or do much but look beautiful and party with their friends.
As I stood in the shower contemplating this yesterday morning I was flooded with all the reasons we should have an abundant mentality. We may not have the acreage or the marble and silver or diamonds but what we do have is of way more worth.
Think for a moment of some of the things that make our lives so much better. I am so grateful to God for his kindness. I appreciated the hot running water in the shower. That clean water we all just take for granted most to the time seemed sweeter. I am thankful for his knowing what we really need is not what we often think.
All the riches in the world could not buy The Devonshires or their contemporaries a plane ride to visit family, or penicillin to heal an ailing baby, or a refrigerator, or central heating, or excellent medical care, or mobility within the class system they lived under, or access to the information age we have now. The list could go on indefinitely. We have choices and freedoms and creature comforts they never dreamed of let alone had.
What we can learn about how things were, can help us overcome discontentment and maximize our opportunities to thrive and have joy today. God has richly blessed his children in all ages, but none have been more blessed than we are. With all we have there is just no room for a scarcity mentality. Choose abundance in your heart and you will have it. Remember as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Seek abundantly.
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