being simple in mind

I sat down for awhile to see what happened 'here and now'. Sometimes, due lots of distractions during the day and many activities which absorb our attention almost solely could be very subtle veil for the anxiety, worries and anger to intrude and attack my mind. The result is the weariness and bitterness of the heart. And once again I am reminded about the story of Lord Jesus' visit to Bethany, about Mary who sat down under his feet, listen to Him carefully and Martha who was being busy.

While remembering this, I am also contemplating the works of a monk, who labors so obediently to humble his body and thus humble his mind and heart before God. There's no contradiction here between prayer and work, but what makes the difference is the heart's disposition toward the Lord. Is He in the center of our desire and longing, that is to seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness with great hunger and thirst? And since we are abandoning ourselves to the Lord, and attentively listen to His faithful words, the light and guide for our every step, then why do we need to worry about our own cares, for we are in the Hands of Him Who created all things, Who cares of our very life and needs?

And for us now, and for me personally, what does that mean? It means to trust Him beyond every cares and worries, to be a simple child before Him; full of fear and trembling and yet be filled with amazement and honesty, being simple in mind and heart, and regard as nothing our own 'wisdom' and 'self-attachment' compared with His wisdom and His Wonderful acts. And therefore, it is no more our own efforts which generates our heart to face every experience and in being spiritual men and women, instead it is His Grace which we long and desire that we may abide in it and participate in His Life. It means to be attentive and watchful, that is to be prayerful and subdue our body to always have the remembrance of God and fear of Him. It is good and important to pull myself out and hide in the locked room in my heart and to cry out for mercy and lift up praises unto Him so frequently, and thus being aware of what is here and now and searching our hearts carefully before Him to Whom nothing is hidden. It means to follow closely behind Him and say yes whenever He asks.

Glory to You O Lord! Glory to You!
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!