people to an inner reflection on the self and personal wellbeing . Perhaps we should stop a moment and wonder what we are in danger of losing by simply being mindful of our own selves and our own situations .
The use of ‘ mindful ’ in the Bible appears in significant passages . They are worth considering .
In Psalm 8:3-4 , we read – ‘ When I consider your heavens , the work of your fingers , the moon and the stars , which you have set in place , what is man that you are mindful of him , the son of man that you care for him ?’ This passage , which is quoted in the New Testament in the book of Hebrews ( 2:6 ), is quite astounding . Compared to the majesty of all creation , which is an expression of God ’ s own majesty , the position of humans seems so very frail and insignificant . Humans are so inconsequential in comparison , we should be rightly ignored and overlooked . However , God we are told is mindful of us . Instead of dismissing us , God actively remembers us and cares for us .
In this context , ‘ mindful ’ has a compassionately purposeful ring to it . The picture here is of God actively moving towards the object of his memory , and doing so in love and concern . In the midst of the vastness of the universe , God is mindful , not of Himself , nor his angels , but us .
In Mary ’ s Magnificat ( Luke 1:46-49 ), we read – ‘ And Mary said : “ My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour , for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant . From now on all generations will call me blessed , for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name .”’
Mary offers a hymnic response of praise to the Lord God who had chosen her to carry and give birth to the promised anointed child and future deliverer of God ’ s people . Mary praises God and comments that instead of choosing any other woman in history , he had chosen her . God had been mindful of her . The Greek word translated ‘ mindful ’ is the compound verb ἐπιβλέπω and means ‘ to notice and pay special attention to ’. God had deliberately looked upon this young , teenage woman from a modest and humble home , living in a small , insignificant rural town in the middle of a backwater region of the Roman Empire . The Son of the Most High will be born to this girl whom God has graciously looked upon with interest , care and love . In response to this special attention , Mary responds in wonder and true joy .
The pressures of the modern age are perhaps as great as they have ever been . Our students regularly share some of the pressures they are facing . For many , there seems to be no escape from the stresses as they live their lives in the flesh and digitally . They are aware of their need to relax and are open to the possibility
that mindfulness techniques may positively play a part in helping them cope . However , we are as anxious for the young men of Scotch to nurture and develop the ability to see beyond themselves and their own feelings and pressures , and consider the needs and situations of others . In an age that has seen an increase in individualism and isolation , the world needs people with the ability to mindfully focus away from the self .
To know God ’ s love and concern for us and being mindful of others is truly liberating and a source of true and lasting joy . We are a delight to the Almighty and he is eternally mindful of us . As God sees value in us , may our boys grow in wonder and joy in this truth and thus see the innate value of others , and seek to help them in their particular need and experience this joy for themselves .
In the midst of the vastness of the universe , God is mindful , not of Himself , nor his angels , but us .
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