A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic,
and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose.
The skillful workman is very careful indeed
as to what he takes into his brain-attic.
He will have nothing but the tools
which may help him in doing his work.

– Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
(a quote from Sherlock Holmes
in “A Study in Scarlet”)

Nature photography has been a passion of mine for quite a while. I spend a lot of time reading and studying about equipment, techniques, and locations to keep becoming a better photographer. I store these thoughts in my mind so when I’m out photographing, I can use these ideas to create images that will meaningfully convey what I experience.

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If that’s the case with what I do for my work outdoors with a camera,
shouldn’t it be even more so for my life as a disciple of Jesus Christ? The Apostle Paul had this advice:

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best
by filling your minds and meditating
on things true, noble, reputable, authentic,
compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst;
the beautiful, not the ugly;
things to praise, not things to curse.

– Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

To the church at Colossae, Paul expressed this idea even more concisely:

Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things.

– Colossians 3:2 (NIV)

And the Master himself provided this guidance:

Put your mind on your life with God.
The way to life – to God! – is vigorous
and requires your total attention.

– Luke 13:24 (The Message)

You know what? I’m thinking I need to be careful what I’m thinking about.