2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Isaiah 22-24 GW; Revelation 9 GW
Catastrophes happen.
Big or small, calamities are a part of life. “Things happen in threes,” a phrase often said in my family. Whether or not the inspiration for the adage comes from Revelation 9:12, I don’t know. But I do know, once our Reticular Activating System (RAS) becomes aware of catastrophes, we notice them everywhere.
RAS activates the entire cerebral cortex with energy, waking it up, increasing its level of arousal and readiness for interpreting incoming information, and preparing the brain for appropriate action.
Ron and I bought a Subaru Outback in January. A year ago, I never noticed Outbacks or Subarus because I didn’t own one. Now I notice the station wagon’s everywhere. Why? Because purchasing the care activated my RAS, awakening my brain to the existence of Outbacks. Once you become aware of something, you notice it more.
Therefore, when catastrophe strikes, your thoughts focus on the negative situation. Becoming aware bad things happen causes you to notice more calamities. But if we realize our thoughts are focusing on the negative, we can change them.
Capture your thoughts.
“You had a bad moment, don’t make it a bad day.”
Years ago, while talking on the phone, I complained about something, I don’t even know what, to my friend. Stuck in the calamity, Heather reminded me to capture my thoughts. Yes, bad things happen, but so do good things. Her words changed my life. Now, when the internet stops working and frustration begins to build, instead of letting my thoughts turn negative, I remind myself, “It’s just a bad moment; it’s not a bad day.”
Catastrophes will happen in life. From losing car keys to losing your job, no one escapes unfortunate moments in time. But we must remember, moments pass. Good things happen in threes as well; look for the positive instead of the negative.
Capture your thoughts. Focus on the positive. Let the negative go.
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Lord, thank You for giving us brains. Forgive us for letting our thoughts spiral out of control. As we move through our day, help us quickly move through the difficult moments, experiencing them, then releasing them to You. Help our minds focus on the blessings in our lives instead of the catastrophe. All glory, Yours alone. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
What is your RAS focused on today?
