This month there were two searches in the news—daily—simultaneously; one a search for an elusive, escaped prisoner, the other for a spelunker. The location for each was pretty well known. The elusive escapee was known to be—and remained— within a specific circumference for over two weeks; remarkably he was captured without gun-fire or violence. The location of the spelunker’s location was known precisely from the beginning; he had become desperately ill while on a research mission in a cave more than a mile deep in Turkey. (the search—was focused on how safely to rescue him through deep, narrow, labyrinthine passages). To the relief to most of the world, both searches were successful.
As the world watched, extensive scientific, practical effort, and sheer human skill yielded success–in both cases. Beyond other advantages there is the vast knowledge and skill to be put to use in future similar endeavors. Universities, explorers, and organizations, over the years, will put their learnings to life-saving use.
Unfortunately, the Human Condition, will hinder the most profitable denouement from these experiences. Humanity, down through the centuries, has had opportunities galore to do better. Usually we don’t. We live daily with that . Violence, hatred, instant spewing misinformation, are in every community—not all of it, nor all at once, but it is there. The adage, “We learn from history,” really means we could learn from history. We cave (no pun intended). We too often miss the teachable moment.
A positive peek into history shows that little things can have potential for prodigious results—as in the legend of the young Dutch boy who put his finger in a hole in the dike, thus saving the entire community from flooding. A flood of wrong can feel overwhelming. However, taking the high road can become a multiplier of good for many. One such decision could be answering the call to become a teacher. Think about how tedious it can be to teach reading to a little kid–or a private music lesson! (They don’t call it drilling for nil). Such moments figure prominently into marvelous success for the pupil, and deep satisfaction for the teacher.
Authorities say a letter or word must be repeated seventeen (17) times to be remembered. From U. S. News & World Report ...”experts say first graders should be able to read at least 150 high-frequency words by the end of the year. Think about how may drills (repetitions) it means. That is letter, number, and sentence implementation. A teacher also contends with a child’s background, peers, parents, and competing interests to accomplish this—it multiplies beyond first grade.
Searching for improvement of life, liberty, and happiness is no easy journey; and that can be a good thing. Too often we search with more greed and gore than compassion—or common sense. Jesus taught his followers that there is a better way—a way that is a win-win for us all. Andre Crouch captures the sense of this persistent search in his song; Through it all Oh, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God, Oh let me tell you, Through it all Oh, through it all, Oh, I’ve learned to depend upon His word.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023
Every word was true. Enjoyed your article