Of Famine, Painting, and Soul Profit

Those used to reading my blog will have noticed that . . . well . . . there's been a famine in the land!! On a bit of an unexpected leave. Nothing big. Painting our house--the exterior--has taken up much of my creative juices. They were somewhat diverted into ladder climbing, scraping, brush cleaning, did I say scraping? And, oh, yes, painting too. Well, it served a useful purpose. It kept me from learning too much which according to the following words of Thomas 'A Kempis is a good thing! Imagine that!? Don't learn too much. OK, here's what he says:

Rest from inordinate [there's a clue] desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. Those who have knowledge desire to appear learned, and to be called wise. Many things there are to know which profiteth little or nothing to the soul. And foolish out of measure is he who attendeth upon other things rather than those which serve to his soul's health. Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refresheth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence towards God. Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refresheth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence towards God.

Did I repeat that last sentence? OK, well, if we are not to learn, then repetition is that much more vital. Right? So, the house is not quite completed, but at least it doesn't appear half done. That's good. My wife's and my bodies are feeling the exercise. My nearly 6 decade-old flesh feels it, but I'm thankful for being able to do such. Words alone do not refresh, but the living WORD does always meet us however and wherever we are.

What "diversion" has helped to ground your soul recently? Oddly, in a culture besot with distractions, strategic diversions might just be the ticket to soul health. Go, and climb a ladder and see what happens to you!