In August of 2012 there were 62 fires burning in seven western states of United States. Smoke was filling the atmosphere both day and night giving the moon an unusual haunted appearance. This painting was an attempted to capture the image of the full moon in the smoke-filled sky. Although this smoke was experienced by everyone living in the western states, the reactions by individuals ran the entire gambit from fear and anger to wonder and amazement at the spectacular red sunsets and the smoke-wreathed moon.
OBSTACLES
By Al Vester
Brooks wouldn’t bubble
If it weren’t for the rocks.
Bells wouldn’t ring
If it weren’t for the knocks.
No day has ever dawned
Without first the night.
No victor is ever crowned
Without first the fight.
There is weight in every load
And rocks in every road.
Life is full of struggles
Everywhere we go,
But if we set to work,
The blessings soon will flow.
While off the coast of Vietnam, our crew coped with many discomforts, not the least of which was the extreme heat within our own submarine. The water in the Gulf of Tonkin was 86° F (30° C) at that time, so no where on the sub felt cooler than that. However, the engine room regularly reached 125° F (52° C) forcing the engine men to rotate in and out of the engine room every 15 minutes, taking salt pills and drinking ice water while out of that compartment. Most of the crew had to make their way through this hot compartment from the berthing area to the mess hall and other compartments forward of the engine room. One young crewman was often heard to say when he found himself sweating profusely, “Why me? Oh Lord, why always me?” His question was puzzling, because this experience was common to most of us. We were literally all in the same boat together.
Whether facing heat within a small ship, or seeing smoke covering seven states, or enduring a troubled economy that affects many nations, no group of people is without sufficient challenges to try their patience. Yet the reactions to these challenges vary considerably between individuals. Some people humbly view these obstacles as passing challenges to be faced and overcome, they tend to bonce back up as if they were made of rubber. Others seem to see their troubles as some kind of conspiracy fashioned just to frustrate them personally, like glass they seem to go to pieces with every obstacle in their path. And, all of us struggle to maintain our hope and faith in the future when faced with significant health, financial, or family crises.
Hopefully, as we realize that each person whom we meet is or has been facing some challenges, we will try to be kinder and more sensitive to their needs. Kindness is a balm that eases the pains of disappointment, fear, and discomforts. Kindness helps rebuild hope and kindle courage in the midst of disappointment and despair. It is strange but true that when we reach out to help another with their burdens, our own problems seem a little easier to bear as well. Such kindness in times of trouble is a blessing to all by helping us face times of difficulty as fellow travelers, for we are all in the same boat together.
