I stood mesmerized by the floating and dancing in the sun’s rays. Moving my arm like I was cutting through water I stirred the air before me, then paused to watch the wake.
Tiny bits of dust twirled and hovered. The sunlight illuminated the large quantity of dust floating through my bedroom. I turned from the window to look back into the room, and the dust was gone. At least it seemed that way, but I knew it was ever present. Whether dancing in the light, or hiding in the dark, the dust remained.
As I watched the performance in front of me, my intrigue turned to disgust. All I could think was, I’m breathing that. I had no idea how much dust was in the air until the morning’s light brought it to my attention. Our air filters were just replaced, and dollar signs danced in my eyes as I thought of a home air cleaning system.
So I stood frozen, staring at the tiny invaders and said it aloud this time, “I breathing that.” The breath of my words started more spinning and movement.
Dust isn’t the only unwelcome guest in my home. When I turn on the television or radio or pick up a magazine or book, those people, those words, those situations walk right in through the front door. And I’m breathing them in. Without completely comprehending it, I invited them.
Over time, I’ve realized I decide what to inhale. I can choose a television show with an uplifting message, the transforming power of God’s Word, or Christian radio with encouraging songs. Or I can select programs with compromising situations, magazines with unrealistic photos, and I can sing along to songs with inappropriate lyrics.
When I hold things to the Light (John 9:5), I get a much better perspective.
I’m not saying I don’t ever listen to rock-n-roll, and I’ve seen my fair share of inappropriate movies and tv shows. But let’s get real. Whether you believe it or not, everything we see and hear in a day sinks down into our soul and settles there. It’s what we breathe.
Each morning now I look for them – my dust dancers. And it’s a reminder for me to inhale wisely.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Carol
