Seeing Ghosts

As a very frequent traveler, I get to participate in those little near-death flying experiences more often than most. There is something about being in the back of a steel-can at 30 thousand feet bouncing around with the lights flashing and thunder crashing, totally surrendering control to the elements and the hands of a stranger.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
-- Luke 24:36-37

In reality there are few times in recent memory that I can remember vivid fear. The kind where you might border on calling it terror. Even when I get that jolt of shock that translates to fear from losing control that rarely escalates to sustained dread. Of course, perhaps that is just because of the relatively safe life I lead.

How do you deal with fear? Uncertainty? When you hear the sound of your own heart beating in your ears, how do you handle it? For my own self, I find prayer and reflection the sure cure. Remembering my own mortality has never been a chore for me. And with the trials in my life, I've long ago resigned myself that those in my life will continue peacefully and successfully without me. That has certainly been harder than it sounds, but oh what peace it affords.

It also helps that I keep my life insurance paid up.