one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Staying Afloat

It was the final days of summer before my senior year in high school. The Oklahoma days were long, hot, and dry. Two-a-day football practices were in full swing. Our coaches pushed us to our limits, attempting to get us into top physical condition. The sweltering heat and rigorous calisthenics sapped our bodies of fluids as we perspired profusely.

One afternoon, during a break between practices, a few of my fellow teammates and I decided it would be fun and refreshing to go swimming. We knew the perfect spot—the strip pits! Strip pits are craters formed when coal is harvested (stripped) from the earth.

Filled with water and resembling large farm ponds or watersheds, these craters are characteristically very deep, and the water extremely cold. Upon arrival at our destination, the doors of the car burst open. My friends bolted out, each one determined to be the first to jump in. Since I drove and had to park the car, I was the last one into the water. Our goal was the opposite shore—a distance of about 200 feet. When I reached the halfway point, my buddies were already exiting the strip pit and scampering up the steep embankment.

I was about 50 feet from the shoreline when, without warning, both legs began to cramp severely! Apparently, the loss of body fluid through dehydration, coupled with the shock of the cold water, triggered the reaction. I struggled to kick my legs and continue swimming, but I couldn’t. They felt like lead anchors and began to pull me under.

Thankfully, I managed not to panic. I began to tread water with my arms to keep myself afloat. Determined to make the shoreline, I started dogpaddling slowly in that direction. Evidently, my comrades didn’t realize I was in distress. It took every ounce of strength in my body to keep my head above water, so I couldn’t call out for help.

When I finally reached the embankment, I was too weak to pull myself out of the water. At that point, my friends saw I was in trouble and came to my rescue. Exhausted, I lay on the ground until the cramps subsided, and I regained enough strength to stand. Shaken by the frightening experience, we decided to walk back to the car rather than attempt to swim across the strip pit again. We learned a valuable but dangerous lesson.

Individuals within your sphere of influence may be struggling today. The cares of life are threatening to pull them under. They may desperately need your help to keep their heads above water. There’s a good chance they will never ask for assistance. Be on the look out for opportunities to lend a hand to those in need. Who knows? You may be the person God uses to help someone stay afloat.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men...” (Galatians 6:10).

About the columnist. One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and the joys of grandchildren.