day 102: Garbage In...Garbage Out

"Garbage in...garbage out" applies to many things. In computer science, it refers to bad code that is written means bad results that come out. Within our work lives the phrase is very relevant in that each and every day we all go to work and when we hit the door in the morning, where our minds "are" will be how we approach the day and how others approach us. If we have filled our mind with "garbage" then we can expect that what comes out of us will be recycled right back into our mood and demeanor. Now, you are probably thinking, "what is he talking about, I don't get up every morning and fill my mind with garbage or filth". I doubt you do. I am not referring to garbage in the most defined way. I am thinking of it as filling our minds with thoughts that are less than positive, less than encouraging, less than true or honorable. I am writing of those thoughts that are on the edge of mean-spirited or maybe those that have a little vindication at the core. These are the thoughts we have in the morning about "setting someone straight today" or ensuring that "they get theirs". Nothing malicious or harmful, but just enough on the edge that they shape our approach to the day in a negative versus positive fashion. Whether we like it or not, it's garbage in that produces garbage out. In Philippians 4:8 we can hear with what we are supposed to replace the bad stuff: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure, lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." See the difference in that list of things in our mind? It would be hard to argue that if our minds were full of those things that our mood, our demeanor, our approach and our attitude could be nothing but good. That would be good for us and good for others who interact with us daily. So today, do an inventory of the thoughts that are in your head and see how much needs to be discarded and replaced with new thoughts. Taking out the garbage could be a great cleaning exercise today.

Reference: Philippians 4:8 (New Living Testament)