At first glance it seems like a reach to think there could be any connection between the Titanic and how you and I think.
Not true.
The experts and the press pronounced the Titanic "invincible," even "unsinkable." They based these grandiose terms on the ship's new design. Its hull featured watertight compartments, so that even if the ship were damaged the water would be safely contained within compartments.
Except the compartments turned out not to be so watertight after all.
Soooo . . . What does that have to do with you and me? Just this. Every one of us can remember times when the unexpected made us crumple in pain. Pain in life is an inevitable part of being alive. We can't escape it any more than we can escape dust gathering on furniture.
The only control we have is how we handle what comes into our lives. That's where the comparison to the Titanic comes in.
A major factor in sinking the Titanic was that the water spilled over from one compartment into the next, all down the line. Our pain can slosh over into every part of our lives . . . unless we take control of it. What helps us stay afloat is to deliberately turn our thoughts to other people and other areas of our life, at least for part of the day.
Otherwise our pain will cast a cloud over everything and everyone in our lives. If we let that happen we'll miss the moments of joy–and they're just as real as the pain.
How do we do this? Centuries ago the Apostle Paul wrote these timeless words in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brothers [and sisters,] whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
This verse is my go-to place when I feel overwhelmed. I read this listing again and again. Each time I feel calmed. It's like being reminded who I am and how I can reflect the Light within me into the dark places.
Or, using the Titanic analogy, those words help keep my watertight compartments watertight. More than that. They point me to the God who never leaves us and who gives us peace in-the-midst (Philippians 4:9.)
Question for you: What works for you? (Just click on the word "Comments" below.)
Blessings and love,
Lenore