I believe that if I tell you my biggest fear it will come true.
But I also believe that if I tell you my biggest wish it won’t come true.
Isn’t it funny the ridiculous things we believe about the world? Without hard data to prove any of it is even true? Things like the number 13 is unlucky and if you tempt the universe you have to “knock on wood.”
According to TedEd, many superstitions originally stemmed from religion. That number 13 thing? It’s a remnant of the Last Supper. Twelve disciples plus Jesus. That’s 13, and apparently that’s bad. Because one of those guy was REALLY bad. And some superstitions are the remnants of the pagan religions which Christianity replaced. Knocking on wood, for example, stems from a Celtic belief that spirits inhabit wood.
For some people (and I count myself among them) following the superstition, no matter how irrational, is often easier than consciously resisting it. Giving into the superstition provides the illusion of having greater control over events. Athletes who believe their “lucky socks” will help them win games sometimes actually DO perform better. The socks themselves don’t have any special powers, but wearing them can boost the athlete’s confidence.
And maybe that’s enough.
Coping with life’s uncertainties is difficult work. We all have a desire to control unknown outcomes. Superstitions are a way to battle nerves and address impatience.
Maybe superstitions aren’t all bad, but if we allow our fear to overtake our hope we find ourselves not only unable to make decisions based on rational thought but we might also be tempted to put our faith in random coincidences that are actually the work of God’s intentional blessing in our lives.
I want to tell myself to get a grip, that I’m not going to have bad luck all day just because I accidentally dropped my compact and the mirror cracked, or even that I’m going to have good luck because I was out walking and stumbled upon a shiny penny on the ground.
Find a penny, pick it up
All day long, you’ll have good luck
Instead, I have to focus on what is true. And what is true is that no amount of knocking on wood or stepping over cracks in the sidewalk or avoiding walking under ladders will ensure I stay safe and enjoy an easy life of leisure and success.
Good sense is always connected to God’s enduring promises, not the world’s empty persuasions.
I’m working on it.
Just the other day I opened an umbrella inside and didn’t even worry that I wouldn’t be okay the rest of the day.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. (3:5-6, 21-26)
In Korea, people believe that if you sleep with a fan on at night you will die. I’m going to see if I can convince Gavin that this one might be true. Maybe he’ll let me change out the fan in our bedroom for a new light fixture.
Until next time, follow your mission, not the madness.