In ancient times as the Roman empire began to dominate the world, they needed a measurement of distance. Marching their armies through uncharted territory, they needed to know how far they had come from Rome. So they came up with the mile – every 1,000 paces. Or the distance between your left foot hitting the ground each time.
For centuries, runners tried to run the mile (English measurement 1,769 yards) in under 4 minutes. Particularly from the 19th century, it became a serious goal for athletes to run the mile in under 4 minutes. It seemed like it could not be done. British journalist John Bryant said; It had become as much a psychological barrier as a physical one. And like an unconquerable mountain, the closer it was approached, the more daunting it seemed.
Then on a cold, drizzly day in Oxford on 6 May 1954 (terrible conditions for running), Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile – his time was 3 minutes 59.4 seconds. After centuries of trying, do you know how long it took to break the 4-minute mile a second time?
Just 46 days, by Australian runner John Landy. Then a year later three runners broke the 4-minute mile in a single race. In the last 50 years, over 1,000 runners have conquered the barrier that was once thought unattainable.
Your mind is such a powerful force. For so long men thought they could never run fast enough to run the mile in under 4 minutes. Then after one man had the psychical and mental strength to do it – everyone else just jumped on board.
When a mountain has been climbed by one person – then others know it can be done. The mountain is the same – it’s just your mind now says you can do it because it has been done before.
Your mind is such a powerful thing, it starts to function the moment you are born and doesn’t stop till you have to get up and make a speech.
Seriously though, I am reminded this Mother’s Day of my own mother (and also my father). My mother passed away last year at 104 and my father 14 years ago at 94. With both, the family was called to their respective bedsides to say farewell as the end was near. Yet they lingered, it was as though their minds would not let their bodies pass away while the family was there. Within half an hour of us leaving them, I received calls that they had quietly slipped away.
I also remember this Mother’s Day, my late wife Vivienne who despite being diagnosed with lymphoma refused to let the diagnosis define her, or stop her from getting the most out of life. Her body did eventually give out but her mind would not be shackled by the disease and typically she spent her last days giving and thinking of others.
Your mind is a powerful force for determining what you can and can’t do. For whether you are happy or not. For whether you are resilient or not. For whether you are content or not.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippian church says at 4:11-13; …. for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who strengthens me.
Paul is talking about resilience, happiness and contentment. He knows – he has worked out that whether good or bad things happen to him, these things don’t dictate his contentment. He knows that there are more important things in life than temporary pleasures or pain. He has a personal relationship with the living God and it is that relationship that fuels his contentment.
How can you find contentment in this life? It’s all in the mind.
It is all a matter of perspective. Treasure what is really important to you. Be thankful for what you have and don’t dwell on what you don’t have.
Still having trouble being content. Life is just too hard, too many problems and worries.
Why not follow Paul’s lead? Like Roger Bannister, he has shown it can be done. You just have to tap into the power source. Pauls says – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That is his secret to contentment. Call upon God and trust in him.
Focus your mind on God and everything else will either fall into place or be something God will give you the strength to deal with.
This Mother’s Day go with God and bless your mothers (and your wives).
Peter O’Sullivan
Phenomena Adeniran Mathew M
Debobed 