The long experience of the divines (theological writers of the past), and one I have come to realise, is that 'bed' is not the ideal place for contemplation as the sense of sleep generally takes precedence. The lounge chair too fails the test on these same grounds. It does for me as I get older.
Long walks, perhaps through parks or along a beach are proven arenas for reflection however it is a bit difficult to take your Bible or Theological reading along with you– or even if you have a lightweight copy, or even a new iPad - you cannot read and walk without bumping into things, losing your way and completely losing the enjoyment of the scenery.
Some have found the office chair as ideal – the computer for research is available at one's fingertips, along with favoured theology texts and the Bible.
Not too long ago, I considered it necessary to replace my office chair and I found a multitude of options that left me reeling. After all, it's only a chair, I would have thought.
But no, it is not 'only a chair'. One furniture office supply retailer in my local area at Tweed Heads told me the most expensive office chair that he could manufacture to a personal specification came with a $7,000 price tag.
I was astonished by the huge range of dimensions, ergonomics, appearance, comfort and flexibility of these seemingly everyday items.
Considering that this may well be my preferred place for contemplation, my personal wish list included: a very high back; a relatively light weight; effective castors making it easy to roll, simple-to-use height adjustment, and flexible back adjustment.
Having visited numerous retailers that sold such chairs, I was confronted with myriads of options, where I could have done with a solicitor to determine the veracity of the claims made for each chair; a doctor to ascertain the ergonomic claims of each chair; a policeman with a lie detector having listened to the sales people, and a fellow theologian to ascertain the reflective positioning of each chair.
The old adage that it pays to shop around was very true in my situation, as two retailers offered exactly the same chair: one at $599 and the other at $299.
I now do my thinking and reflecting while sitting on my now not-so-new office chair, harnessed in Biblical contemplation, enjoying the view from the window.
This Easter, I'm imagining the great divines of ages past, in their creative meditation place, as they too, like me, pondered Christ on the Cross paying the cost of sin, and with His resurrection. as the solid rock guarantee for eternal life with Him.