The fourth of Joe Paprocki’s questions in 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness is:
What’s your security blanket?
For young children security blankets and other such comfort objects are healthy things. They are “transitional objects” to ease the trauma of separating from their mothers. For me, it was my teddy bear, Ya-Ya…
Unfortunately, we tend to replace these plush toys with more sophisticated security blankets, not to ease the anxiety of our separation from our mothers, but to ease our separation from God…
Our adult security blankets are like an ever-widening moat that dig around ourselves to keep the future at bay. We are a society of hoarders, clinging to our possessions because we fear a future in which our happiness, security and comfort are uncertain.
My adult security blanket? I’m embarrassed to admit that I think it’s probably Netflix. I watch a lot of movies downloaded from that service and, if I’m honest, I spent way too much time chilling out in front of the screen. Joe Paprocki reminds us that “our separation from God” is an illusion, but one in which most of us actively participate. What if I were to spend even half the time I use for watching movies to watch instead for God in my life?
What’s your security blanket?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh I am a very active participant in the separation. There is always something to do that keeps me from talking to God. I’m not sure that my activities are as benign as watching movies on Netflix though! I think mine is company. I hate being alone for any length of time – a bit unfortunate given that I spend an awful lot of my time in isolation these days. Maybe that is God imposing His will on me, saying; “well if he won’t come to me, I’ll at least make sure there are no distractions to get in the way.”
Simon (& Everyone),
I tired to get to this week’s comments yesterday (Thursday) but our computer network decided to have a nervous breakdown… Sorry.
You have company, I have Netflix. Amazing the things we do to keep God at bay, isn’t it? Although, as you suggest, you may now have the time and space — if not the desire — to get closer to God.
Paul
Well, I hope it’s not the latter
Paul, your Netflix comment was very honest. Thanks. I think my security blanket is the computer. A reflex from when I worked because you always had to “see what was going on,” but I’m still doing that almost two years later. In my case a dark computer screen would free up my time to talk/listen to God.
Oh, I could write volumes here, but I will simply sit and remember how those words hit me when I read them in the book the first time.
My security blanket is reading. I have more books on my nightstand than I will likely be able to get through any time soon. I like the promise of a good book.
Hi, Paul, Simon, Bob, Fran and Susan. I’m able to post this morning, because it’s a state holiday (Confederate Memorial Day)… Just wanted to get that clear, so you don’t think I’m playing hooky. (=: One of my security blankets is connection with other people. So, here I am spilling my guts on the World Wide Web. Paul, it’s funny you would mention Netflix, because I’ve been thinking how I isolate myself from the world when I don’t take time to watch movies… or (despite my activism with some issues) go for days without keeping up with current events. I haven’t had a TV connection for over 5 years, and I have to go to a theater or redbox for movies. That both gives me more time for prayer and keeps me out of the pop-culture loop ….. which I don’t think is all good… because it’s important to stay connected with God’s people.
I think there are healthy and unhealthy “security blankets.” My unhealthy security blanket is chewing gum. I can put about a whole pack in my mouth at once. It’s expensive and hard on my body, and God doesn’t want that for me. So, I repeatedly try to limit myself to one stick (actually good for health) and then (under stress at work usually) I’ll break my pact with God. Thank goodness God understands.
I actually have a security blanket (comforter) which I get under to pray. I think it’s a good security blanket. It would be better if I went out to my hammock where I feel closest to God through His beautiful natural world, but sometimes the weather interferes. So, I don’t think my blanket is such a bad thing.
Hopefully, this comment will get buried before my clients can see it. You’all have a wonderful day! (=:
Sara – thanks for sharing. Your comforter reminds me of our prayer shawl ministry. We have a ministry at our parish whose members create shawls for comfort and solace. The shawl maker prays for the intentions of the recipient while they are sewing or knitting the shawl and then our pastor blesses the shawl before it makes its way to the new owner. I think the Great Comfortor loves having you visit while under your comforter.
Sara and Susan,
You are so right!
When I made the Spiritual Exercises, my then 13 yr old son crocheted me a scarf – with, as he said in a letter to me, the love knit right in. It was his first attempt at crocheting anything that large, and he’s color blind, so I wondered what it would look like. It was amazing and does give me great comfort to wrap it around my neck….
Michelle- such a special, wonderful gift from your son. I bet it feels like a warm hug.
I love that ministry! It is fantastic. Michelle, how precious is your son! I did scarves for my sister and niece with the prayers knit in. I think it is just the most beautiful idea!!
My worst security blanket is probably the internet. That being the case, I should probably just stop here.
Security blankets: early morning blogging & my grandkids
First cup of tea in the morning. And the newspaper….on the internet.
I’m already anxious about whether there will be any way to make a cup of tea (with boiling water!) on retreat next week. I can leave many things in the hands of God, but obviously not my cup of tea.
Hah! And mine would be my Suisse Mocha!
Mine is plants. They’re taking over my house!! and seeds. Especially rare, hard-to-cultivates; I don’t know if that’s separating me from God, tho’, because the ones I’m most interested in are those having to do with religious ceremonies………..
My security blanket would probaby be checking email and social media.
Books. And I have passed it on to my children and I inflict it on anyone who will listen. Books make me feel like everything else is managable, but if you saw my bookshelves you might wonder if it isn’t God…or the Church! Who knows, whatever it is, I get by.
I realize I try to keep busy.
If I keep busy I think it is a distraction from whats going on inside.
Helping others, yard work, etc.
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