salvation, hope, opportunity
Once upon a time, I used to go to church.
One of the stories I remember the Father Cullen telling us was of a man living in a town that was threatened by a flood.
The media warned that people needed to leave town. The flood was going to be devastating and anybody who stayed behind was risking certain death. The man ignored the warnings. He stayed behind, certain that God was going to save him.
As the flood came and submerged the main floor of his house he moved to the second floor. His neighbours came by in a boat and offered to take him to safety. The man, talking to them from the window on the second floor told them to on without him. God was going to take care of him.
The waters continued to rise, forcing the man onto his roof.
A navy helicopter flew over head. A rescuer descended in a basket, pleading with the man to get in. “It’s okay,” the man said. “God is going to protect me.”
A short time later the waters engulfed the house and the man was swept away. He drowned.
When he got to Heaven, he asked God why God didn’t save him.
God replied, “Who do you think made sure there were warnings on the news? Who do you think sent your neighbours in the boat? And who do you think sent the Navy to rescue you?”
Salvation, hope, opportunity. Whatever you call it, it comes in many forms. We succeed when we recognize it.
Just ask this penguin:
via: Andrew Sullivan