what was on your refrigerator in your childhood home when you were growing up? our fridge always had a small promo calendar on it from an insurance company, a tattered copy of "Babies Don't Keep" poem, and rotating newspaper clippings of Dear Abby and Miss Manners.
researchers found that most people look at their fridge an average of 30 times a day.
different researchers found that our regular surroundings - things in our day to day environment that we see repeatedly - have a critical impact on our behavior, perspectives, motivation, thoughts, physical, emotional, and mental health. the things we surround ourselves with every day influence who we are.
the refrigerator is a big part of our daily surroundings. it takes up a big space in our kitchens. it's a destination. that's why we put things on there like calendars and to do lists. it's how we memorize the magnets and the remember the milk. we could be missing a huge opportunity to influence the people in our home if we don't take advantage of that big magnetic bulletin board in the heart of our homes.
leverage the fridge. put something on it knowing you and your loved ones will see it multiple times a day every day for potentially many years of their lives. write out an encouraging note, your family mission statement, a scripture verse or two, a daily prayer, grab a magnet, and stick it up there front and center.
we probably all have fridges. and we probably all have loved ones. we might as well use this appliance we face repeatedly to intentionally influence our surroundings.
"So keep these commandments carefully in mind.
Tie them to your hand to remind you to obey them,
and tie them to your forehead between your eyes!
Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home,
when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast!
Write them upon the doors of your houses and upon your gates,
so that as long as there is sky above the earth,
you and your children will enjoy the good life
awaiting you in the land the Lord has promised you."
-Deuteronomy 11:18-21
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