A Way Out

Luke 21:36 – Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV)

Psalm 121:1-2 – I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. (KJV)

The Olympic and Paralympic Games held in our province are now history. And whether people had tickets to games or were among those of us who just were able to experience the experience, there will be endless stories to tell.

For the first seven years leading up to the Olympics, the media were pretty full of negativity, causing my husband and me to count ourselves among those who chose to stay as far away from the mainland as possible. This is not difficult for us, as we live on an island accessible only by air or ferry between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.

As time drew nearer, however, things took a positive turn, and we decided to take a day and see for ourselves. Two of our daughters and their families live in Vancouver, one of them in an apartment a nice walk from where all the downtown activity was happening. It was so wonderful that I went back and spent part of each day out and about for the entire final week.

On the final Sunday, our daughters, two sons-in-law, and little granddaughters were glued to the television, watching the nail-biter hockey game, with Canada winning a gold medal over the U.S.A. in overtime.

Following that, we ventured out, joining in the excitement with the downtown crowds. People were there from around the world, wearing their colours, high-fiving each other, blowing horns, happy and smiling. There were blocks and blocks filled with families and lots of people of all ages, but still the ability to manoeuvre.

Suddenly, people began pouring out of an adjacent street, funnelling into our street, and we were caught in a crush: my daughters, little granddaughters, and I, separated from our two sons-in-law. There were too many people, happy and courteous, but solid as sardines, with little to no movement. It was a frightening feeling.

One daughter, wearing her baby in a carrier, called out to a tall policeman ahead. A young man by us yelled, "She's got a baby; give her space."

Thankfully, the policeman and his partner, with some help from their size, were able to take us under their wings and guide us through the throngs of people to safety. Many lessons were learned that day.

So similar is this to our life's journey. Whatever our path, God is always ahead of us and hears us when we call. Through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, we are offered a way out through salvation to eternity.

Prayer: We find it easy to look to You for help in times of trouble, O Lord; Your name is uttered so quickly. Knowing that You go before us always, may we also call to You in prayer with words of thanks every day, even before we need Your help. In Your name we pray, and give thanks for this day. Amen.

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