TGIF
One of the newer psychological norms to be embraced by society is the concept of “triggers”
All manner of media and speech are now subject to be labeled with “trigger” warnings , meaning that the media in question may contain something that could offend or upset someone.
Like too many things adopted wholeheartedly by the masses, this concept has been applied to a ridiculous extent by people who think they should remove anything difficult or hard from their tender eyes and ears.
Life will not be as careful with these gentle souls.
I digress…
In reading about triggers I came upon another concept and that’s what I want to talk about today.
“Glimmers”.
Glimmers are kind of the opposite of triggers…glimmers evoke a sense of joy, hope, or well being in a person.
Glimmers are (obviously) different for different people.
For me, glimmers include the smell of Douglas fir pitch in summer, the feel of my cats fur under my hand and his quiet purring as he falls asleep…actually , pretty much anything about cats brings a glimmer to my spirit.
I love the feel of a Bible when I pick it up and it flops open like an invitation to a conversation.
Towels just out of the dryer.
The boxes Apple stuff comes in.
Southern accents.
I could go on…and you should too…you will either build your life around glimmers or triggers.
Instead of identifying and maximising the power of triggers in our lives, we need to actively pursue the glimmers that are (not very well) disguised gifts from a loving God.
The Christmas season is one long trigger for a lot of us.
Familial and financial issues, the loss of a loved one, and memories of Christmases past often make this season a long slog to the second of January.
Advent is a glimmer.
Advent acknowledges the darkness while waiting patiently and looking for the light.
So…if like me Christmas is a time of anxiety and depression for you, celebrate Advent.
Buy four candles and label them hope, peace, joy, and love and light one every Sunday until Christmas Eve.
Curl up with your cat or dog, or person) and choose to see the glimmer that says you are loved by a very good God indeed.
Note the way that a single lit candle instantly banishes the darkness…receive the light…become the light.
Jesus is the light of the world and we are all candles meant to dispel the darkness around us…but you have to receive it for yourself first.
“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”(1 Peter 1:8-9 NLT-SE)
Look for the glimmers, seek joy, dare to hope, be at peace with yourself and your God…the light is dawning upon us.
Even if all you can see is a glimmer.
Make your own application…
Love this, Michael!
Fantastic. Thanks, Michael!
On a different topic: just came across an article that’s excerpted from Tim
Alberta’s new book The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory. He interviewed Cal Thomas, who’s disavowed right-wing politics and its fusion with Xnity. This shows what turned Thomas:
“When Trump mentioned Pence and the evangelical audience booed their brother in Christ, I said to myself, this is the final compromise,” Thomas told me. “Here is your brother. Here is a man who worships the Lord that you claim to worship. Here is a man who goes to church every Sunday. Here is a man who has had only one wife and never been accused of being unfaithful. And you’re booing him? As opposed to a serial adulterer? A man who uses the worst language you can think of and does every other thing you oppose? Explain that to me from a biblical perspective. Please.”
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/12/donald-trump-and-the-implosion-of-the-american-evangelical-movement
bob1, Cal Thomas pretty much nailed it.
bob1, CK, …thanks!
I love this a lot. Great idea bout the glimmers, and I too love all things cats, southern accents, and my Bible. I really like the idea of the advent candles.
People like Southern Accents?!?! I been trying to rid myself of this curse my whole life.
Thanks, Victoria!
Josh,
It’s not a curse, but a gift.
I find people with southern accents easier to listen to even when they say something I don’t like…
Most people automatically assume we are stupid. I have trouble with people taking me serious. But it honestly has never held me back in life, so I can’t complain.