Drowning Unknowingly
I am not sure what grade I was in, maybe 2nd or 3rd grade. I was at my neighbors house down the street from mine, standing on a deck built to meet the top of an above ground pool, was tossing a beach ball back and forth with to older kids who were in the pool. I do not remember all that transpired. I do remember missing the ball, it going into the water and me reaching out for it. My reaching it was a mistake. I reached to fast to far over the pool and splash I was in the pool.
I don’t know the depth of the pool; I do know it was deeper than I was tall. I immediately started the distressed swimmer response, which looks like a vertical dog paddle, kicking like I was riding a bike, paddling, arms awkward bent, fingers cupped, trying to get my head above the water. I was not succeeding, yet I was not afraid. I remember thinking why is this not working. Fear would come soon, as I the need to breath developed but the two other kids in the pool got to me quickly and lifted me to the surface. They, and the one girl’s aunt lifted me out of the pool.
In the past few years I have thought about that event. I have wondered how much this is like not choosing to follow Jesus not learning to swim, and stay under his watch. Many others are drowning; some know it and are thrashing and screaming to be rescued. I am sure most are like me in the pool, my life was at risk, only they are not aware their eternal life is at risk.
John A Miller
Reminds me of the hymn "Love Lifted Me."
ReplyDeleteI was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!