Saved from Drowning. Awake Series, Part 24
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it
keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the
truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1
Cor 13:4-7 NIV)
The Ninety-Mile beach is a beautiful beach on the North island of New Zealand.
Surrounded by dunes, flat sand and an active Tasman Sea, it attracts all kinds
of people. However it is far from being a safe place, especially if someone
decides to swim in the sea, as did the grandson and granddaughter of a fisherman
aged 55, that fatal day on Dec 29, 2009. Both of these kids encountered trouble
while swimming. The current was too strong for them, and before they knew it
they had swallowed a good quantity of saltwater.
Without hesitation, their grandfather jumped into the water to come to their
rescue. A beachgoer was able to rescue the granddaughter, but the grandson was
in real trouble as the current had him in its grip. The only thing the
grandfather could do was to hold his grandson above the water, while his own
head was underwater, waiting for a rescuer. After some tough minutes, the
grandson was saved, but the grandfather didn't make it. He sacrificed his life
for those he loved.
May we all learn from this grandfather about what love truly means. Let's take
advantage of each day that has been given to us to exercise this love in its
fullest vigour. Maybe, just maybe will we wake up from our slumber and notice
that the world around us hungers for pure selfless love!
What will we do about it?
"We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 NIV)
Rob Chaffart