Austin is commonly referred to as the �allergy capital of the world.� Cedar-Elm and ragweed dominate August through November. Cedar will pick up in December and continue with us through February. Ash, oak, willow, and pecan will then carry us through seamlessly into the next ragweed season. Our air is infested with molds, mites, bacteria, and viruses throughout the year. It is enough to make a person want to stay in bed � but wait! Dust mites and pet dander contaminate the bedding. In fact, our beds, our kitchens, our bathrooms, and our cars are some of the most contaminated and unhealthy places we can go!
Sometimes the saying is true, isn�t it? �Ignorance is bliss.� I really do not like to think about all that is in the air or in the bedding when I go sleep at night and I sleep just fine. The truth is, it is quite easy to ignore the seemingly insignificant pollutants when we take them in, but the results of exposure are evident in us all � we become sick and lethargic.
My mind has a lot in common with my lungs. I so desire the pure oxygen of the Word of God, but I am constantly exposed to voices and visions that do not represent Him. I am listening to sermons and taking in His word just as, thankfully, I am still taking in oxygen when I breathe, but the world�s pollutants are taking their toll. We see their effects at the close of a day when we cannot still our thoughts, or when we try to engage in spiritual meditation. Often we fail to hear his voice through all of the clutter and then wonder if He is speaking to us at all. We want so desperately to �be still and know that He is God,� but a contaminated mind finds such focus difficult to achieve. As important as it is to fill our minds with all that which is noble and praiseworthy, we must also strive to purify our thoughts by purging all that is not. Obviously we cannot expect to watch a horror movie and then lay in bed in quiet meditation on Christ. Most of our minds just won�t allow it. As far as it is possible, we need to govern our day around our meditation and prayer. Prepare for it by applying filters to your eyes and your ears, and remember our Lord�s words, �blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!�
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