Prompt for 11/11

 Williams: “Is Thinking Good for Its Own Sake?”

Re-phrase Williams' definition of intrinsic goodness in your own words. Then, based on this definition, create a list of at least 20 things that are intrinsically good. These must be different from the ones that Williams listed. Finally, write about a time in which you experienced something that was intrinsically good. *CHALLENGE* Choose one of the items from your list to intentionally enjoy within the next week. You are not required to write about this experience, but feel free to if you so desire.

If something is intrinsically good, it’s good in and of itself. 

20 things that are intrinsically good:

God

love

education

rest

friendship

family

prayer

art

worship

poetry

life

music

reading

exercise

smiling

crying

rain

creation

work

happiness

This week, I have experienced the intrinsic value of rest. Life has been getting really mundane lately... Monday and Wednesday, I work. Tuesday, I mentor at the New Life Ranch. Thursday, I have Passion. All of these things are good, but it’s really easy for me to just go about my week just checking things off my to-do list. It’s hard to remember Colossians 3:23, which says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” It’s also VERY easy to fall into the typical trap of not being able to maintain grades and homework, a social life, and a healthy sleep schedule. The fallout for me is my sleep. Sunday afternoon, I took a nap. I felt completely fine and healthy before it, but I woke up feeling terrible. My throat, head, ears, and stomach were simultaneously revolting. Monday, I went to work as usual. Tuesday, though, I went to the nurse. She explained a lot about my sickness to me, and told me it was imperative for me to get more than enough rest. I didn’t go to New Life, and I called into work today. I have spent every day this week after class laying in bed doing basically nothing. I’ve kept up with homework, but for the most part, I’ve enjoyed days of resting in the Lord. Rest has so much intrinsic value that I often take for granted. Although I would prefer being healthy, it took being sick for me to remember that God wants me to rest. Psalm 127:2 says “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” I am His beloved, and this week He has given me sleep. Not necessarily to make me well, but just because rest and sleep is very good in and of itself.


Thought Questions
1. Have you ever gotten a "blessing in disguise" (ie being sick) that allowed you to experience something intrinsically good?
2. Can something intrinsically good also benefit people?