Paul asked that I forward this to the list.
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Paul Sullivan" <paultsullivan@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [obol] Lakes and rapids
Date: January 27, 2016 4:46:09 AM PST
To: <obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: paultsullivan@xxxxxxxxxxxx
A friend pointed me to a book about finding healing in nature.
Experienced canoeists Gary and Jane Ferguson set off one day on a gentle
paddle. Their plan was to cross a lake, portage around an impassible rapids,
and put in on the next lake. However, at the take-out for the portage they
were blocked by a downed tree. They got sucked into the slipstream or the lake
outlet and down the rapids. Gary survived with a broken leg. Jane drowned.
Why I relate this:
OBOL is a lake. Over 1200 people come to enjoy the water and connect with
nature. They are not inclined to whitewater, nor are they equipped.
BOO is a rapids. Some fraction of canoeists like running rapids. Well and
good, if you are prepared and have the skills and equipment. Some people get
sucked into rapids and it is perilous.
The lesson:
PEOPLE WHO LOVE WHITEWATER SHOULD NOT FORCE IT ON THOSE WHO COME TO NATURE FOR
A QUIET LAKE EXPERIENCE.
PEOPLE WHO LOVE WHITEWATER SHOULD NOT TELL LAKE CANOEISTS THAT THE DON’T KNON
NATURE.
PEOPLE WHO YELL, SPLASH, PADDLE AND SCREAM SHOULD NOT THINK THAT THEY ARE
CHANGING THE COURSE OF THE RAPIDS. ALL THEY ARE DOING IS STRUGGLING TO SAVE
THEIR OWN SKIN AMIDST ANGST AND PERIL.
End of sermon.
Paul Sullivan – on the lake.
Book: the Carry Home by Gary Ferguson