Small Talk – May 13 2020 Day 45 of Shelter-in-Place By Michael Small

I note that today is the 13th of May. I am always surprised and a bit amused when I am in a multi storied hotel. After getting into the elevator, I go to push the button and notice there is a 12th floor and the next one is the 14th. What happened to the thirteenth floor? Are you kidding me!? ? Our son was born on Friday the thirteenth – the best day of our lives. He arrived in this world with all his toes and fingers in place. But I will admit, we had to reimagine and recreate that day, discarding all the superstition and baggage the 13th brings.

What are some of the common ? You win the first time you play a game – beginners’ . You pick up a on the sidewalk – you will have good luck. Walk under a ladder – bad luck. crosses your path – a formidable day is ahead. But if you carry that rabbit’s foot – good luck. Two bad events occur – there is going to be a third. Break a mirror – seven years of bad luck. Step on a crack and you will break your mother’s back. Knock on wood to ward off bad luck. With another, make a wish when you break a turkey wishbone. Cross your fingers when making a wish (or telling a lie). No opened umbrellas inside – it will bring bad luck. Then the big one – – If you are not scared of this date, you should be frightened about the word that describes those who are: friggatriskaidekaphobia. And, by the way, did you notice I listed 13 superstitions? Just throw some salt over your shoulder.

The definition – “Superstition – a widely held, but unjustified belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of an action or event, or a practice based on such a belief.”

An observation I have made of my self and others is, when I and we are afraid or fearful, that is not a good time or place from which I or anyone should make long lasting decisions, or decisions that have life or death consequences. When we are afraid, we “don’t think straight”. We become superstitious. Or, too often we see only two choices, fight, or flight. Some say that we are responding from our reptilian brain that responds to danger with fight and destroy the opponent or run as fast as one can.

Are there times in recent days when you are overwhelmed with fear for self, family, loved ones, nation, and world. When looking at the long picture, one could paint a terrifying scenario. Because we are afraid for the economy, we open too soon, and the virus spreads more rapidly. When we allow the fear of the virus to overwhelm us, we stay at home and we isolate sometimes to the detriment of mental health and engagement. There has to be middle ground that is safe to stand upon.

What to do? Breathe in – Breathe out! Pause. Count to ten. Ask yourself, “is my fear based in fact, is it rational”? If one does not have all the facts, do your research, seeking out multiple sources, science, medical, local, state, national, and international. Know, you will never have all the information you need, but decisions need to be made. Then, make informed decisions, not based on fear, but based on what you know to be true.

Before implementation, ask do these decisions build up and become life giving, or will they be harmful to self or others? Do no harm! Ultimately, you, only you can make the decisions of how you will engage in your daily life – even in these times of pandemic Covid-19. And you also must be responsible for the decisions you make. Sometimes, you will make the wrong decision and will have to make course corrections and learn from your mistakes. Learn from others, watch, and listen. Let us not make those decisions out of fear, but out of a sense of life and the very real and wonderful potential for abundant life, life springing up all around us.

After all is said and done, when moving forward, knock on wood!

In the ways, spirit and agape love of Jesus, Michael

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