I’m mesmerized by the images on the TV of the Chilean miners being rescued. Having trouble peeling my eyes away to do the tasks of the day…
Saw Jorge, a miner in his 50’s emerged just as I was brushing my teeth. I don’t watch TV in the morning, but I had it on this morning, and got my pearly whites all shiny while I watched him emerge. He is in his late 50’s and there were some concerns over his lungs. Jorge is alive because he and a fellow miner stopped their vehicle to admire a white butterfly that had made it’s way to the depths of the mine. As they got out and gazed at the wonder of one determined butterfly that was VERY lost in the mine, the mine collapsed where their vehicle would have been if they hadn’t stopped. He had on his sunglasses to shield him from the brightness of the sun which he hadn’t seen in almost 70 days. The health professionals took their time with him as he emerged from the capsule which had carried him from almost 700 metres underground, to ensure that he was OK. He had a blood pressure cuff on, and they seemed to be checking his balance. It was difficult to tell how frail he really was. Until the moment that his brother approached him and there was no doubt–Jorge was able to embrace his brother with strong arms. They squeezed each other and rocked back and forth with the pleasure of being able to touch each other. I can only imagine that Jorge didn’t smell very fresh–but there was no sign of that as the VIP’s couldn’t seem to wait to embrace him also.
Saw a video tape of Mario–dubbed Super Mario by the media in response to Mario’s energy and enthusiasm. Mario got to ground level and quite simply, rejoiced. Rejoiced with his heart, soul, body and mind. His vigor in celebrating was something that catches in my throat even now as I write this. He reveled in his ability to be back on the ground…he ran around, leading the crowd in cheering, in singing the national anthem of Chile, in touching as many people as he could. His joy could not be contained.
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Why? Because he is able to live on earth. Because he is safe. Because he can be with family. Because he can be free.
I’m flipping back and forth between writing this and watching CNN. Can’t stay away. Estaban just came up, the 18th miner to be rescued. What was the first thing he did after the rescue staff got him out of the capsule? He took off his hat in respect, got down on his knees and prayed. Not a little prayer either…a quick aknowledgment of the Almighty. He got down, crossed himself, and put his hands together and remained on his knees for a sustained period. He made a sign of the cross again, held up his hands in praise and thanksgiving to his Maker and Sustainer, and then made another sign of the cross, folded his hands again and kept praying. This was one grateful dude. (Eventually his loved one couldn’t stand it–she got down on her knees and embraced him mid-prayer–it’s hard to wait for the Amen when you’ve been waiting for a hug for over 2 months!)
Why was he grateful? He can see the sun, he can be safe. He can follow through on his plans to renew his vows with his wife of 25 years.
I have to tell you that it was a very different experience for me to step outside my door on my way to work this morning. The sun was shining, as it has for several days in a row lately. But it seemed brighter today. Actually, I noticed it’s brightness today. I felt the cool breeze on my face as I locked the door, and my footsteps felt lighter as I walked to the car. I realized, how in the hustle and bustle of life, I can become critical and discouraged, focusing on that which needs to be done, hasn’t been done well enough, and what isn’t working.
And I forget that I can enjoy the sunshine, feel fresh air, and am free to move about on this earth. I haven’t spent much time being grateful lately for just being able to walk around on the earth. It’s a tremendous privilege, really…one that I’ve taken for granted.
Jorge, Mario and Estaban will never take that for granted. And Lord willing, I won’t forget the lesson they taught me today.
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