News Report Thailand: All twelve boys and their coach from the soccer team have been rescued from the depths of a flooded cave after eighteen grueling days. The efforts of Thai Navy Seals and international diving volunteers made the rescue mission a success. The team members were trapped in the cave after a flash flood and they went farther and higher in the cave to survive.
The diving rescue included swimming through the narrow passage ways in turbulent dark water. Extra tanks were strategically positioned for emergencies. They actually had to teach the boys how to use the diving equipment and that for some boys who couldn't swim. For each delivered boy a diver led and followed through the watery maze.
We all have a visceral response to dramatic rescue efforts: People are trapped and a full on effort is conducted to free them. The cave in, bombing, or natural disaster. All human courage and ingenuity is put to the test.
Of course, we are aware that one rescue diver lost his life in this heroic effort. One sacrificed himself for thirteen. Every so often we witness the entirely selfless act, one that contradicts the survival instinct. And that is why it is courageous and heroic; it transpires even though our will to survive is completely present. From whence does this impulse come, this selfless offering of one's own life to save others?
Jesus said that perfect love is found in the one who lays down his life for a friend. And how about for a stranger? Or a tribe of boys?
Today I am remembering this brave man and others like him. I am allowing him to inspire my highest self. For if he can do that, what might I be able to do?
