By Rev. Kathy Lyons
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12:2
Spring is now here – a time of renewal! According to Merriam Webster, Renewal means, to make like new: restore to freshness, vigor, or perfection. Also, it means to bring back a condition of vigor. However, Spring 2020 is vastly different from what we have ever experienced before! Due to COVID-19, we are now mandated to stay at home, and only go out for necessary errands such as grocery shopping. Church services of all denominations are online. Instead of socializing in person, we are utilizing phone calls, texting, emails, Facebook, and for group meetings, Zoom.
So how do we renew and rejuvenate during this stay-at-home time? Renewal is something that we can do at home each day. First, don’t keep the news on all the time. HB Jeffries, author of The Principles of Healing said, “There is no hell. If you want to go to hell, read the newspaper.” That was 80 some years ago – imagine what he would say now with 24/7 news and the Internet! Of course, we need to keep informed of what is going on, but don’t get caught up in fear and negativity. It’s important to follow health guidelines – stay at home, wash our hands, and cover our faces when going out. During this stay-at-home time, we can renew our mind with meditation, prayer, listening to favorite music, and reading uplifting material. I’ve been watching shows on Animal Planet, and old reruns on MeTV to keep in good spirits. As an animal lover, I look at lots of cat pictures on Facebook. Let it be a time to renew hobbies such as cooking, drawing, or writing. Also, we are blessed with technology where we can keep in touch with loved ones. Reach out to old friends and reconnect. Nurture yourself with healthy food, and do some exercise at home or go for walks.
Science of Mind’s form of prayer – Spiritual Mind Treatment, is to renew the mind and heart with new beliefs to create better conditions. No one wished for this stressful situation, but how we respond to it determines our sense of well-being. Ernest Holmes, author of The Science of Mind, says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” is a scientific act, as consciousness pours truth into the subjective channel of creative energy, the body is automatically renewed.” (Page 486).
Affirmation: I am refreshed, rejuvenated, and peaceful.
