Magical Thinking?

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.” Isaiah 1:19 Berean Bible

“When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.”
― Paulo Coelho

Children’s Magical Thinking

Close your eyes, hide under the covers, and the monster is gone!

Rub the lamp and a magic genie will give you everything you want!

Santa knows who’s been bad and who’s been good.

Wish upon a star!

If I just had a magic wand…  I did. I bought it at the county fair, and it melted in the hot car.

Adult Magical Thinking

I can love this person into change – No. No, you can’t. That’s God’s job.

I’ll have just one more (fill in the blank), then I’m done. From one more drink to one more potato chip…

My problems will be gone if I (fill in the blank). I tried denying. Not recommended.

We’ll live happily ever after. Even the best Christian couples may not. Happiness takes work and is not a destination. You can be happy now.

If I work harder… Yes. Work harder. Avoid your family, hurt your health, and lose your temper from exhaustion.

If I just had more faith…  So much for the mustard seed?

If I don’t enjoy this moment, tribute, windfall, or whatever, pain won’t come. Putting off good to avoid future pain. I’ve tried this several times, and I can tell you it just robs you.

And all-time myths

Peace means the absence of conflict

Freedom means the absence of conflict

Love means the absence of conflict

Jesus had conflict all the time! And Jesus had peace, freedom and love.

I still do magical thinking at times. Earning love is one. Jesus definitely had no acceptance, belonging, or love from his siblings, religious leaders, or politicians. He had a tax collector and a zealot in his band of 12. Many tried to trap him. His feelings did not determine his actions.  

Musings

As long as I’m on Earth, conflict comes. If the Son of Man had conflict, so will we. But he gave us a Helper, his word, and each other. He always brings good from it, though difficult to wait.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Oh, how we grapple with boring times, difficult times, traumatic times, praying for your will, but our hearts aren’t in it. We make wishes, peek at superstitions, and create stories to avoid the pain. That’s why you counseled us to worry only about today. You love us. You’re with us. You create something beautiful from our struggles.

Thank you.

Amen.