I watched the clips of the coast guard vessels searching for a lost boy off the English coast. The scene was and is painful to watch. The wind driven waves were effortlessly tossing the ship. Even the bulwark seemed to tremble as the waves released their energy with each encounter. When you turned the sound off, the scene took on a surreal setting – extreme violence contrasting with the silence and wonder of reflection.
The outcome of the search was one that anyone watching knew at the beginning. There was little hope at the beginning. With each tick of the clock it grew fainter. Even as one watched the clip you know that a life had passed.
Imagining myself on the ship was a step into a dangerous unknown. Trusting the ship and my mates was the only anchor that would allow me to function. Each wave dominated the ship, bullying it into whatever position it demanded. The engines relentless fought to maintain their position. It was a battle that left me with more fear than confidence.
My admiration and respect for the individuals on board was strong before this experience. With each moment, I found myself more and more in awe. It was as if each had taken a vow that etched itself in their DNA; “We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in sea storm and earthquake.” (Psalm 46.2)
On I reflect on the scene, I realize that there are heroes in our lives that put themselves on the line for others daily. They risk their own life to make our safer. They endure hardship, pain, and uncertainty in the belief that what they are doing is a noble cause. The fact that there are relentless forces threatening them and us seems to inspire and motivate.
To each, thank-you for acting on your belief that each life is worthy of the ultimate sacrifice. Your actions help me see how important life is, including my own. Paraphrasing a commercial and putting a name on the unknown angel, I want to be just like Mike.
