#25: The art of staying on guard

What is the key to staying on guard against threats, both potential and existential, without becoming exhausted? Looking into this can be very helpful in the midst of our current set of circumstances as the tension is high in terms of the prevailing socio-political, socio-cultural climate on so many levels regardless of your particular affiliation or leanings.  Surely it isn’t wise to ignore what is going on by burying your head in the sand or going with the mind-your-own-business strategy of “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” to avoid being cancelled or shadow-banned by whomever. Fact is ignoring real threats does not eliminate them, but there’s also a danger associated with obsessing over potentialities to the point that things that don’t even exist morph into powerful entities following you around like some demon-piloted drone. Need some balance here and the sayings and perspectives from ancient wisdom literature like those contained in the Biblical manuscripts known as Proverbs offer wise counsel that is applicable today. "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." Proverbs 22:3 "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds." Proverbs 27:23 Connecting these thoughts in the effort to strike a balance in the midst of this challenging season, whereby awareness and vigilance are critical but can overwhelm you to the point of exhaustion if not handled properly, is key. Specifically, paying attention so as not to be caught off guard is one thing, but it’s quite another to stay glued to newsfeeds and get into social media squabbles that do nothing but corrode relationships and your own psyche. Instead take measures to intentionally set your mind and heart on things that are lasting sources of wisdom, joy, and blessing and use the accelerants of humility and generosity to spark those into a flame that can be fanned into a roaring fire warming everyone in your path. That fire not only creates warmth, but light. Warmth and brightness make the journey better, right?  "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 __________________________________________________ Attributions: “CONNECT” from the album "OPENING" by Christopher Willits. https://soundcloud.com/willits https://christopherwillits.bandcamp.com “Open Field” and "Sunseam" from the album “Astral Welder” by Kiln. https://soundcloud.com/kiln https://kiln-audio.bandcamp.com “Borealis” by Scott Buckley. https://www.scottbuckley.com.au https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley https://scottbuckley.bandcamp.com