Written by Justin N. Poythress, pastor of All Saints Presbyterian in Boise, Idaho
I’m prone to discontent. You and your people probably feel the same, and have a sneaking suspicion it has something to do with that black rectangle we carry around.
In a recent article for TGC, I offer a solution. It’s a concept C. S. Lewis discussed: quiddity. Quiddity is the “thatness” of a thing. You live in that house on that street. You go to that job where you see that person and feel the wind on that day.
In the specific “thatness” of each created moment, God calls us to attend to him. In other words, your best life is the one right in front of you. It’s not around the curve of your next goal, and it’s certainly not found by poking your head inside the circus tent of social media.
The Bible has a solution for restless people who reflexively reach into their pockets the moment life doesn’t seem to live up to what they desire. We should attend to each moment and give thanks for its “thatness” (1 Thess. 5:18). This exercise does two things.
First, it alerts you to the presence of the personal Creator who has orchestrated that moment, with its unique setting and characters, for your good and his glory.
Second, it focuses your attention away from your selfish longings to the goodness in the life and context God has given you. It helps you ask, “Why is this task, this email, this conversation, or this sterile waiting room worthy of giving thanks for?” Answering this question is an exercise in attentiveness. “This person is made in the image of God.” “This sterile waiting room reflects the clean, holy simplicity of God’s nature.”
My prayer is that the article helps you to be grateful for your present circumstances (Phil. 4:11–13) and that it helps your people discover the meaning and joy God has woven into the quiddity of their lives.
—Justin
