TGIF
Trey knew there was going to be a problem, so he went back to the lodge to go to the bathroom.
He is used to me acting in my capacity as the self appointed “Ranger In Charge Of All I See” at Crater Lake National Park.
I enforce all litter laws, safety regulations, and correct the real rangers when they misspeak.
This is rarely appreciated by those who I speak with or by those who accompany me for some reason…
This, however, was serious and the boy knew it.
For those unfamiliar with Crater Lake it is what is left after a volcano blew it’s top and filled with water.
It the most beautiful place on earth…and it can be deadly as well.
The caldera walls are steep and dangerous…and they drop into the deepest lake in North America.
There are stone retaining walls that one should keep back from…and signs that tell you to do so.
What made T scurry to the bathroom was the sight of a woman and her dog laying on a snow berm a few feet on the wrong side of one of those walls.
He knew I’d say something…and I did.
The pile was melting from the top and bottom as the sun hit it…one wrong move could send the woman and the dog sliding into the abyss.
If it happened there would be no saving them…simply recovering the bodies would take at least a day.
I tried to explain what was happening under her at the moment and the need to carefully come back to the right side of the wall.
She told me to bleep off and the dog barked at me.
Her friends told me to mind my own business.
To them it didn’t matter if I was “right” or not, what mattered was that she had the “right” to do whatever she chose, no matter the tragic consequences that could occur.
Truth was irrelevant if it infringed on her choices or personal enjoyment of the moment.
I was trying to save her life, she perceived me as trying to ruin it.
She had to know the truth, I was morally obligated to tell it .
I was responsible to speak, she was responsible for the outcome.
Still, I may use different words next time…
Make your own application…
First, first. Pray your time away was relaxing Michael.
AA,
Congrats! 🙂
Not very relaxing…T got really sick about an hour after this and we had to go home in a hurry.
It’s one of those seasons…
Good word Michael. Reminds me of the passages that speak of the watchman – thinking Eze 33:6.
I remember Romaine speaking on this passage – that its not our job to get someone converted – we just speak what we have seen. Also reminds me that ministry is many times not something we do because of the response.
I hope Trey is feeling better. The one time I’ve been to Crater Lake they had a hepatitis scare and we all ended up getting shots in the end.
Zach just wants to know if the woman survived!!!
Good article, Michael, sorry your trip was cut short and hope Trey is feeling better!
Sarah,
She did…and the dog as well. 🙂
Trey is a bit better today…the mono is whipping him pretty good.
This too shall pass…
beautiful!
Papias,
I was as offended by this persons stupidity as I was concerned for her safety…that may be where it went off the rails… 🙂
Got a family situation just like this right now. I have to tell the truth and they will likely tell me off and their friends will take offense.
Going to let them be responsible and free but I am going to speak.
Thank you, monax… 🙂
BD,
Lead with love…it is the sugar that makes the medicine go down.
I know I don’t have to tell you that…
I don’t know – I know my reaction when others have this compelling “need” to tell me the truth. I usually don’t like it..
I think people who “need” to tell the truth when no one is seeking that ‘truth’ advice, may be borderline abusive.
“It’s not what you said. It’s how you said it.” 🙂
And sometimes, even when you do say it right, its the message that gets rejected, not the messenger.
You know – like standing up in Madison Square Garden and saying “GO KINGS GO!!!”… probably would be taken very well. 😉
Papias,
Exactly.
You better have your jersey on tonight!
Your story reminded me of the theme song, Wish by Paper Route, from ‘The Fuel Project’.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVfSL7uAIDI?rel=0&w=420&h=315%5D
You followed your conscience…you did well to do so. I had to confront a man for leaving his baby alone for 20 minutes in his van….hard to do but had to be done.
Praying still for Trey
Praying for your situation Dread.
Congrats Michael. What a run.
Thank you, Jeff!!!
Having made my living using all sizes and types of ladders I know how to use them properly.
None of my twelve painters that have worked with me over the years ever fell off of one because I made sure they understood ladder safety.
I enforced these ladder rules religiously.
Each and every time anyone has ever fallen from a ladder it was always because they were never trained in ladder safety.
There are actually three main rules that will keep ladder users safe, and a few other important rules to understand.
Any way, when I am driving along and see what I call a “ladder violation” I turn around and take my time to tell the person using the ladder why it is unsafe. And I try to inform them of the safety rules that they are violating and the danger that they are putting themselves in.
Michael never stop being you!
Had that lady and her dog fallen into the abyss it would have been curtains for sure.
You just might have gotten through to her, she may have been to proud to react while you were addressing her, but thought better of her plan to remain after you went away…
(As an evangelical)
My personal application:
http://shekinahfellowship.blogspot.com/2013/11/cant-evangelize-in-heaven-nope.html
Had some bad news and am struggling with it, I ask for prayer cant share do to privacy. Thank You.
Brian Darby, Praying, God knows.
Brian Darby,
May the peace of Jesus Christ be yours in the midst of the storm. And may you truly experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit in your ‘struggling.
I pray that you will be able to rest in Him and take hope.
Lifting you up to the Almighty Omniscient God of our salvation.
Praying for Brian. Dread and Micheal. May the peace of God be with you.
Praying for you, Brian.