Rapture

So all this end-of-the-world nonsense got me thinking about a couple things. First, I wondered what is the actual definition of rapture (because I do that), since the word is being thrown about so loosely. In addition to the most commonly understood meaning of "carrying a person to another place or sphere of existence," it is also (and primarily) defined as "joyful ecstasy." Now, we could explore the many ways those are mutually inclusive, but I think that's kind of overstating the obvious.

Next, I thought about the element of trust wrapped up in this non-event. The level of trust these followers demonstrated is impressive, albeit misguided. I think of how devastating it must be for those people to sit on this side of the prediction feeling so very betrayed.

All of that brings me to my thoughts on relationships and how crucial both components are to success in love. Yes, ecstasy is invaluable, but joyful ecstasy is a few degrees beyond because it's more than just sexual gratification. It's a deeper experience, and it's one that requires complete trust. Conversely, it is evoked by complete trust.

Trust is a tough one. Once it's been fractured, it is so hard to restore, and not just between you and the individual who damaged it. One such event can affect your ability to trust anyone. It makes you suspicious of everything, constantly expecting betrayal. It's a difficult place to exist. But, allowing yourself to trust someone, giving them access to the deeply personal stuff, and exposing who is under the facade, is a terrifyingly liberating thing to do.

I'm not advocating you dump all your crap on the front door of everyone you meet. Be judicious. The trouble these followers of Camping found was that they put their trust in someone who talked a good game but didn't do anything on a personal level to earn that trust.

The paradox is that real trust comes from intimacy, but it's very difficult to allow true intimacy with someone you don't trust. So, you find yourself with a conundrum, a Catch-22. The only way to break through that is to extend a little trust on credit. Give someone a chance with the understanding that it can be withdrawn at any time. Proceed with caution, but proceed nonetheless.

We cannot know when we will shuffle off (or be scooped up from) this mortal coil and living this life unable to trust makes it difficult at best, but quite often very painful. I'm not talking about having faith or belief in something. Those are different things and they require the ability to accept something you cannot see without any tangible proof. Trust is unique in that it does require the tiniest bit of blind faith, but you can choose to continue trusting or not based on very real evidence manifested in the behavior of others.

I have deep-seated trust issues. I am speaking to myself as much as anyone else out there who will listen. However, I have recently found in one friend in particular that it's not always dangerous to trust. He has proven that he is true to his word. He has proven that all the things I expect most men to do from previous experience aren't what every man does. It's been a good lesson, but definitely one I've had to struggle to accept. And, let's be really honest, one that probably resides with him alone and will not be granted to others.

All the same, I think the message from this failed apocalypse is that we need to accept that the world won't end just because we allow ourselves to trust. (At the risk of sounding like an after school special, sometimes people need to be extended a little trust to have the desire to be trustworthy.)

Oh yeah, we also just need to stop looking for an apocalypse, period. If you are living honestly and deliberately, whenever the world ceases to be, you'll be okay because you've actually lived. You will have no regrets about what wasn't said, what you failed to accomplish, who you failed to love. Live like you mean it and you'll be ready when the end comes.