Whatever is worthy of praise, think on these things

In this world, there is an element of wonder and awe, the sense of possibility, an invitation to playfulness. One of my most-cherished artists is a street artist named David Zinn. For the most part, he's a street artist / chalk artist who specializes in adding a touch of fun to public spaces. Here is a piece he did that is part street art and part homage to M.C. Escher: 

If anyone could use a moment of delight in the goodness of the world, thinking on things that are worthy of praise, I find David Zinn's art to be worthy of consideration. 

Whatever is worthy of praise

I find myself overwhelmed lately by my workload, and drawing on St Paul's advice: "Whatever is worthy of praise, think on these things." You may already be familiar with Pentatonix. Their cover/remix of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah is on the shortlist of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. To add a layer, here is a video of someone who had never heard of Pentatonix and didn't know he was in for a treat, hearing their rendition of Hallelujah for the first time. I enjoy watching his face change from respect for their competence (they start slow) to appreciation for their harmonies to sheer joy by the finale as they perform what may be the best rendition of the song that has been made. 

G.O.T Games first time hearing Pentatonix. 

These are some of those things that restore my soul. 

Think on these things

Whatever is lovely, excellent, or praiseworthy, think on these things ... 

Think on these things

I need a breather from the data analysis posts. With Thanksgiving on the way, I want to spend today pondering things that are more of the season.

Finally, brothers, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is anything of virtue/excellence, and if there is any worthy of praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Whatever is true: This year, Thanksgiving will not be quite the same for me and mine
Whatever is honorable: The wisdom of humility and kindness
Whatever is just: Listening without prejudice
Whatever is pure: The cat putting his paw own my chin
Whatever is lovely: The neighborhood Christmas lights, soon to be back I hope
Whatever is of good reputation: Hot tea on a cold night
Whatever is excellent: Pumpkin pie
If anything is worthy of praise: The compassion of those who have stood by me this year



Take care & God bless

Whatever is true ...

This morning (as I write this, in 2020) I found an old meditation that I had written on a church bulletin. I wanted to preserve it here and hope to arrange to publish it on the bulletin's date (Dec 18, 2016). 

• Whatever is true: It is much colder here today than yesterday
• Whatever is good: A full night of restful sleep
• Whatever is just: Hearing both sides of an argument without prejudice before deciding
• Whatever is of good reputation: Friendship
• Whatever is praiseworthy: The courage to admit a mistake
• Whatever is lovely: The cat, curled up under the Christmas tree for a nap
• Whatever is honorable: A policeman who risks his life to keep others safe
• Anything of virtue: Keeping our word
• Any thing excellent, worthy of praise: The Ukrainian bell carol

If anything is worthy of praise

Finally, brothers, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is anything of virtue/excellence, and if there is any worthy of praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

When I read this, I have often been shamefully dismissive of it. There is a cynical part of my mind which sees it as wishful thinking, or a sort of determined naivety. The more open-minded voice inside me recognizes and acknowledges the value -- and then wants credit merely for speaking up against the cynicism, without actually doing what we are here encouraged to do.

• What is true? The sun came up this morning. 
• What is honorable? Those who stand by their convictions with modesty and reason.
• What is just? The Day when hatred will cease.
• What is pure? The hope for a spark of joy.
• What is lovely? The out-of-season lily that is still blooming under the crepe myrtle.
• What has a good reputation? I had to think really hard about this one. I'm going with: Green vegetables.
• Is there anything of virtue/excellence (older translation: any virtue)? Joy.
• Is there anything worthy of praise? The skill of a certain pianist that I have in mind.

Think on these things. Take inventory of them. Take stock. Some good things fade away for lack of recognition, or lack of care. May it not be on our watch.

Update 12/14/2016: Dr Platypus has added a list of his own, which is truly worth a read.