Daniel Levitin, an American-Canadian psychologist once remarked: “That daydreaming mode turns out to be restorative. It's like hitting the reset button in your brain. And you don't get in that daydreaming mode typically by texting and Facebooking. You get in it by disengaging.” Colossians 3:1-5 reminds us: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Daydreaming is defined as the activity of thinking about pleasant things that one would like to do or have happen to them, instead of thinking about the present. It can include phantasm, a wish, a desire, or simply staring into empty space to name but a few. During the long hot sunny days of summer, that occur now and again, there is nothing more pleasant than sitting on a beach, in the park or in our own back garden listening to the sounds of creation and perhaps fantasizing on the hopes and dreams that would make life even more perfect.
It can take us into an illusionary, but vivid world of life which embraces perfection in every possible respect. It may even be compared to a distinct out-of-body experience where we imagine ourselves in a completely different world, perhaps surrounded by an array of new, but friendly people who welcome us into the fold of love and friendship.
However, in the workplace, it can create a totally different impression. On a derogatory note, daydreams are considered by some, to consist of a definitive lack of attention during performed tasks. They can deviate the direction of individuals from positive production to simple spells of mind wandering. They are frequently frowned upon by those in authority.
Going to church for the first time can create its own separate atmosphere. It has a distinct aura of peace and tranquillity. We may initially feel apprehensive about our visit, not knowing what to expect. We may wonder, will I be welcomed or ignored? We may not know or recognize anyone there, but as we enter the open doorway, we feel that special sense of welcoming and love, perhaps never experienced before. Many people in life are naturally reserved in nature and tend to hold inner feelings back. They are not forthcoming in the hand of friendship and may even appear stand-offish. However, when one enters church, usually a different aerosphere exists. People make themselves known to one another, conversations become unhindered and a feeling of love and warmth may be experienced. A previous daydream may suddenly become a reality. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him - a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
God is always at the center of any church service or activity, after all, it is His house that we are in. He always welcomes newcomers with open arms. His persuasion is always to make one feel secure and at peace with themselves. In His mind, church should not only be considered a happy place, but a feeling of being at home and surrounded by family and friends.
We may suddenly feel special and important to others that we have never met before. Hebrews 10:24-25 confirms: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Daydreams are sometimes also considered as a deep form of meditation. They can often occur without warning, and usually happen when we are relaxing. We may be listening to music where we become immersed in the construction and harmonies of a melody, or just resting. We could be reading a book where the author’s words suddenly take on a new perspective. Words written in books can transform a person to a different planet. They may create knowledge or understanding. Mortimer J. Adler, an author and American philosopher once remarked: “In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.”
Cynically speaking, by the thoughts of others, daydreams can be considered as living in a fantasy world or a land of make-believe. The dreams are viewed as mere wishes for wants and desires that can never take place. However, there may be more sustainability to daydreams than most people think. They may contribute constructive thoughts that help to eradicate significant problems. Many tend to think more concisely and effectively when they are relaxed. This may help to define solutions that are impossible to establish during periods of stress or a heavily laden workload.
For some, general prayer difficulties may occur through a lack of the right words to say in communication with God. This may be through inexperience in practice. Daydreams may be considered by some as a special form of silent prayer. It is a personal and special thought process and communication between mankind and God. This is why some people decide to go to church, they see it as a closer place to be, to request God’s attention. Philippians 4:6-7 confirms: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we relax on those, all too few, glorious and sunny summer days, our minds may drift into daydreams, but as we do, our thoughts and perspectives may become more alert to what is happening around us. During that sense of inner calmness we may be experiencing, it may immerse us in the awareness of reality. We become more attentive to the beauty and sounds of God’s world, the birds that are silently gliding through the air, the grasshoppers making their distinctive sound, the gentle rush of wind and the warmth of the sun. The same warmth we experience in the presence of God. Galatians 6:3-4 reminds us: “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.”
Amen.
