All-star thinking and acting
Have you ever watched a baseball game and seen how the pitcher intently leans in toward the catcher to pick up the signal for the next pitch? Sometimes he gives a quick little head-shake that says, “No.” Then he leans in again, looking for a different signal. If it still doesn’t feel right, he will give another authoritative “No.”
Pitchers have to make immediate decisions about a catcher’s suggestions. Catchers will advise, but it’s always the pitcher’s call when it comes to deciding which signal to act on. When a signal finally comes that the pitcher can agree with, he will straighten up, set himself, and throw the baseball with full commitment.
Sometimes thoughts are presented to us a bit like those pitch recommendations. But how quick are we to shake off the bad ones and ready ourselves for a better idea? I’ve seen time and again in my practice of Christian Science that folks worry about why negative, unhealthy thoughts have come to them, instead of just simply dismissing them and replacing them with a right idea. We do have a choice about the signals we respond to and the ones we simply shake off with a quick and definitive “No!”
I don’t imagine a pitcher scratches his head and asks, “Is it my fault you are calling for this pitch?” Neither does he stand up and take a moment to ruminate, “Why, that is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen.” No. Pitchers know that not every signal is worth acting on, and it is a waste of time to engage with a bad signal in any way.
Whenever we’re feeling despondent, irritated, confused, or sad, “No!” can be a powerful prayer. When saying “No!” to fear, to mulling over or owning negative feelings and behaviors, we can do more than simply go into a state of denial. Every “No!” opposing a negative suggestion can be a big, welcoming “Yes!” to the next healing thought. A progressive “No!” includes expectancy that a right idea—a God-authored good idea—is available to be acted on right away.
Whenever we’re feeling despondent, irritated, confused, or sad, “No!” can be a powerful prayer.
This little scene of the catcher and pitcher came to me one afternoon when I was just about to launch a silent, mental tirade. I was irritated with someone who was interfering with a project, and I was getting all kinds of signals to react negatively. But instead of being stymied and sidelined by negative mental chatter, I realized I could say “No!” to the roiling thoughts and listen for a better idea. And, of course, healing ideas came. As they did, all the frustration and irritation stopped hounding me. The project was soon back on track, and we were able to complete our work together with no further complications.
Mary Baker Eddy says in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony” (p. 418 ). The Truth referred to here is God. A strong and clear “No!” to wrong can include the affirmation of the present and available good ideas that God gives us. This is the kind of all-star thinking that brings harmony to any aspect of our lives.
No matter what the negative suggestions may be, you have the power to say “No!” God’s ever-available love and care are right there with you, leading you to the best pitch.
