Rescue

I was one of the many millions around the world who watched the Chilean miners during their rescue.  As I was working on my computer I had a small screen open to the side, so I could watch as each man was rescued and reunited with loved ones.  Hugs, chants, joy and elation followed each and every rescue and I teared up as I watched each one.  My dog would run around the house franticially each time they would blast the horn alerting everyone that another man was about to finish his journey to safety.  I was so inspired by the events, when my husband arrived home from work I gave him a huge embrace and a kiss.  I explained to my stunned spouse that everyone deserved a "Chilean Miner" welcome.  Each day is a gift and we shouldn't take our loved ones for granted.  That fateful day, these now infamous men were just heading off to work - the routine they had followed everyday. They didn't know that life altering events would take place.

Aside from grand welcomes home, my thoughts also came to Psalm 40:1-3 as I reflected on the event.
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of priase to our god.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

The imagery of the miners made me reflect on my own rescue almost 40 years ago.  While only in middle school, I can still recall the fear and sense of hopelessness I felt before I asked God to take control of my life.  HE lifted me up - it wasn't by any action or good deeds that I did, it was purely accepting God's gift of grace.  It was me symbolically stepping into a rescue capsule and trusting by faith that the promise of rescue was true.  I know all of heaven rejoiced as it does with each decision of coming to faith.  I wonder if the angels have a chant or song they sing each time?

I have never regretted that decision. And though there are times that life and its pressures feel like they are surrounding me, I remember that the pit is not my home. God has rescued me to a new life.

Yet I am poor and needy; my the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay Psalm 40:17