As a child I spent too much energy contemplating how to survive a chance fall into quicksand. It’s not funny; I am a child of the 60s, when the world obviously had more quicksand pits than we do today. You doubt me? Just watch Tarzan, Gilligan’s Island, Bugs Bunny, The Road Runner, Swiss Family Robinson, or Robinson Crusoe. Although I anticipated falling in a pit at any moment, I didn’t worry. I learned, through Hollywood, to stay calm, wiggle my body into a horizontal position, and wait. I had no doubt my brother would find me and offer an opportunistic tree limb (conveniently located close to the pit) and pull me to safety. It wasn’t until I was older that I found, via Blazing Saddles and The Princess Bride, the humor in this liquefied terrain.
I have lived my adult life daring to traverse my world without testing the solidity of the earth before each step. Secure with the ground beneath my feet, I walk confidently, literally and metaphorically. At least I did until recently. How can I or anyone else be confident when we have no idea what may befall us next? Okay, it is not as if I was a prognosticator before 2020, but events were more foreseeable. This past year, maybe even further back, has been an unending game of Whack-a-Mole. You pop your head up to look around and “Whack”, you are knocked down. World pandemic – “Whack”. Furloughed – “Whack”. Social isolation – “Whack”. Inability to be with loved ones – “Whack”. Crazy politics – “Wacky Whack”. Racial tension – “WHACK”! Family losses and heartbreaks – “Whack”. As if that is not enough, the next sequel to Frozen was filmed in Texas this week, without an effective operating power grid, or electricity, or water. Grocery store shelves are empty, people are suffering, and we have a runaway senator. Whack-a-Mole is a game, and sadly this is no game. Maybe it is finally that anticipated quicksand pit.
If we are to believe the 1960s, there is no need to panic; relax, help is on the way. As a child I was confident my brother would rescue me. I choose, now, to believe help is indeed only a reach away. We are, after all, our brother’s and sister’s keepers. Simply look at the altruistic efforts of our neighbors, friends, strangers, and community leaders and you will believe, as well.
If you discover yourself sinking in a pit, call out my name. I will find a limb.
Loved reading this! I too had an overwhelming fear of quicksand and your analogy is perfect. Thank you for sharing, Drew. I love reading your blog. You know just what to say. Now I’m going to walk across the furniture to the kitchen to avoid the lava floor.
I am cracking up!!! In the 60s I could match any Ninja Cat at avoiding the lava floors. Now in MY 60s, I will succumb to the volcano flow!
Love the comment about Frozen sequel filmed in Texas this week! I agree that relaxing in the midst of the Whack-a-mole game is the best mindset. I find talking to God, listening to Him, and reading His Word to be my calm center through all the quicksands of life. Just as Peter discovered when he got out of the boat to walk to Jesus on the water, keeping my eyes on Him and trusting Him allows me to weather ever storm. He catches me when I’m sinking.
Love, love, love this! Great perspective on these crazy times! I’ll find a branch for you, too ❤️
Thank you. I know you stand ready with a branch for all!