ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
February 20, 2022
Funny thing happen to me earlier this evening. I almost got hit by a car. Ok, it was not very funny. In fact, it was rather frightening in the moment. Why is it that something can absolutely terrify us one moment, and then later as we are sharing the experience with someone, we are laughing about it. Maybe it’s a little denial, an attempt to escape the intensity of emotion felt earlier. There is a little of that for me, but I think it is more of a response to not knowing exactly how to feel. Paul wrote in Philippians how we are to not be anxious about anything. What wonderful news, yet nearly getting hit by a car caused a little anxiety. We try to laugh it off, and maybe it helps a little. We read a scripture where we are told to, “Fear not,” but so often folks will offer that advice at the least helpful moments. Laughter, for me, provides perspective. It gives me a moment to step away from the source of my fear and reflect a bit more objectively about what occurred. Sometimes a good counselor can provide us that same perspective, or even some good prayer time. Having no fear or anxiety is probably unrealistic. Our bodies are wired to be frightened when there is a reason to be frightened. Whatever we do in that time immediately following the experience will shape us moving forward. A little laughter might provide us enough distance to gain a healthy perspective and take in some life-giving breath.
Whenever I am afraid, O God of Grace, I will seek you and your Spirit of Comfort. In the end, I do not wish to be owned by the source of my anxiousness. Amen.
