Play Possum
Many of us tried to play possum when we were children. We wanted to stay in bed when our parents said to get up. We kept our eyes closed and remained as still as possible.
We often display similar behaviors as adults. Some days we simply don’t want to rise and shine.
When opossums (or possums) feel threatened, they pretend to be dead.
They try to avoid attack by lying still. Their goal is for the other animals to leave them alone. Apparently, that defense works well.
When faced with danger:
- They don’t fight.
- They don’t run.
- They play dead.
To play possum means to pretend to be dead or asleep.
It may also mean to pretend not to know. We want to avoid a person or situation. We don’t want to:
- Wake up
- Get up
- Work
- Accept responsibility
Like the possum, we hope the threat to our rest loses interest and goes away.
The time comes to stop playing possum and get to work.
We need and enjoy rest and play. Yet, for the best life, we also put our hand to the plow and meet our responsibilities.
“How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9 NIV).
Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion.
Image by daynaw3990 from Pixabay
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8 thoughts on “Play Possum”
Your phraseology has me thinking this morning Ms. Diana. One of the things I pondered was is this describes what happens in some churches, and is it because their human spirit feels threatened? Lots to consider isn’t there?
In real life, when an opossum is threatened and cornered, they flash their teeth and make a terrible hissing sound. Bubba the chocolate lab loves to corner them around the farm. I always call him away to let them slip away because they help keep the insect population down.
Thank you so much for the additional perspective and information J.D. Both give much to consider. If only our poor opossums here would learn to stay off the roads, they would live much longer.
As a farm girl, I’ve seen many “possums” and heard and told jokes about these animals. So enjoyed your message today and the reminder for us to “stop playing possum” and be at work in service to our Lord. Wishing you a blessed day, Diana.
Thank you, Katherine. We have probably heard and told many of the same jokes. Blessings on your day as well. Happy writing!
I love the way you put these sayings together with God’s truth, Diana. I never would have thought of a possum application!
Thank you, Tracy. I have fun thinking about these. If nothing comes to mind, I do something non-writerly. ( I may have just made up a word.)
Wonderful analogy and apt comparison to many today. May we be fully awake until Christ returns. Thanks, Diana. God bless!
Thank you for your encouragement, Nancy, and amen to staying fully awake. Blessings to all your endeavors.