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