Wednesday, June 23, 2004
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
(1 Peter 2.21
NRSV)
There is a scene in the original KARATE KID movie that is quite striking. The main character, Daniel, is befriended by the wise and elderly maintenance man, Mr. Miyagi. Daniel goes to see Mr. Miyagi and finds him trimming a delicate bonsai tree. Daniel is fascinated by this, so Miyagi tells him to try his hand at it. Daniel replies that he doesn't have any idea how to do it. Miyagi encourages him to try. First, he tells Daniel to close his eyes. Then Miyagi tells Daniel to picture in his mind the way he wants the tree to look when he is finished. Daniel concentrates fixedly on every single detail of the tree. Miyagi asks him if he has got the tree in his mind. "Then," Miyagi says, "open your eyes and begin." Daniel starts slowly to trim the tree. Every move is deliberate and focused. Then he stops, unsure, and asks, "How do I know if my picture is right?" And Miyagi replies, "If the picture comes from your heart, then it must be right. Just trust your picture."
People who study human behavior tell us that visualization is a powerful tool for people who want to improve themselves. If you can see yourself as being more healthy, then you can probably become healthier. If you can see yourself as successful, that picture will guide you to making better choices. Of course there are limits to this. Visualizing yourself six-feet tall will not make it so. Still, seeing ourselves as we might be--as God created us to be--can motivate us to be more like our savior.
Dear God, help me to visualize myself as being more like Jesus my savior. Amen.
Ron
Newhouse
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