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A lot of people seem to meander aimlessly through life. At times, we don’t pay very close attention to what we’re doing. In fact, it’s such a widespread problem that psychologists have a term for it: mindlessness.
Here, let me see if you suffer from this condition.
I’ll ask you some simple questions. Just answer as quickly as you can. Everybody ready?
1. How many birthdays does the average person have? (Just one.)
2. Why can’t a man living in Uganda be buried in Zimbabwe? (Because he’s still living.)
3. If you have just one match and walk into a room containing a candle, a kerosene lamp, and a wood burning stove, which would you light first? (The match.)
4. This one comes in multiple parts: What kind of tree produces acorns? (Oak) What is funny and has a punch line? (Joke) What is the white part of an egg called? (The albumen, not the yolk.)
By the looks of things, some of us could do a much better job paying attention. All of this was trivial, but in real life, we need to be alert. In fact, 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul warned his Christian brothers and sisters:
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)
Topics Illustrated Include:
Common Sense
Health
Mind
Observation
Paying Attention
Science
Thinking
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
