“Mind the gap”.  A BBC comedy used this line as a warning about such things as tripping off the curb or exiting an elevator before floor alignment was complete.  The slapstick humor came from this straight-faced advice being given just after the other character had tripped, and was comically staggering to regain balance. 

In terms of thinking traps – The Gap is an artificial distance between two points.

Measurements and comparisons between points of reference can be useful for understanding our world – and for navigation.  But we can use the same tools to dig pits of doubt or discouragement. We seem to feel an irresistible urge to divide things into conflicting categories, with a big imaginary gap between them. For example: Pro/Con; Liberal/Conservative; Rich/Poor, and (of course) Us/Them. 

If we allow our vision to narrow to a two-point perspective on many of the things that concern us, we run the risk that ‘gaps’ can sway perspective. 

These types of two-point measures lead to comparisons and invite judgment (or misjudgment) – of ourselves or others. 

We might look at a category and measure extreme differences to assess progress or set goals (personally or culturally).  But this can be misleading.

The truth is that most of us live somewhere ‘in the middle’ – not at the extremes.

Terms such as ‘Middle Class’ don’t set off alarm bells in most of us – because that’s where we live, and it’s OK. Most are not living at the top 1% of the World’s Richest Citizens. Thankfully, most of us (in the USA) are not living in extreme, total poverty or starvation either. 

When we compare ourselves – against any other measure in a simple two-point contrast – we risk of missing the majority of data in the middle.  (Remember the Bell-Shaped curve.)  Skewed perspective leads to misunderstanding, exaggerated response, and poor judgment, which can leave us confused, frustrated, and feeling overwhelmed.

Considering these risks, and what we already know about our tendency to ‘scan for danger’ (seeking the negatives), I suggest we ponder more questions. 

For example: 

• Is this situation really all negative?  Are there degrees of more or less?
• Can I identify anything as a positive?
• Is everyone/everything accounted for when I look at the highest and lowest measures of an issue – or is there a ‘middle’ to be considered? 
• What would things look like in the middle?  
• Can I understand that point of view or see myself there?  

We need to maintain awareness of the distance between extremes. 

Asking questions can help us avoid falling into traps of doubt, fear, and discouragement.

In other words, there is great benefit when we remember to ‘Mind the GAP’.

When we catch ourselves tripping – we can take our concerns to our Lord, who can safely bridge our concerns with His grace.

Blessings, Love and Laughter,

Margaret