Thailand – do it every day
This past week the world was captivated, united and amazed by the remarkable rescue of a soccer team and their coach from complex and dangerous circumstances…writes Rabbi Michoel Gourarie.
Rabbi Michoel Gourarie
What makes this story incredible is the combination of strength and resilience of the group, the amazing effort and skill of the rescue team and the unity felt throughout the world as everyone worried, prayed, hoped and then celebrated.
We are taught that everything has a lesson and when a story unfolds we are encouraged to reflect and discover the practical application of the message. Perhaps now as well, it is a good time to do more than just express our admiration for the boys and their rescue team.
Stories like these reveal the depth of the human spirit. Unfortunately, however, we often seem to wait for disaster to expose the beauty and strength of the human soul and character. But we don’t have to – we can tap into these inner resources, without having to face extreme circumstances.
When we are the soccer team:
From time to time we all get caught and trapped in our own underground caves. Relationship conflict, complacency, addiction, pessimism, anger and jealousy are just a few examples of the dark and cold places we get stuck in. If we choose to hang on to our old ways of thinking we remain trapped. But we don’t have to. Like the soccer team, we can:
a) Tap into our inner strength with resilience and determination to shift our mindset and to have the desire to be rescued.
b) Reach out to others for help – with some patience we will discover many people with skill and experience who can (if we are willing to take advice and cooperate), lift us out of darkness.
c) be inspired by those around us that give us hope and believe in us.
When we are part of the rescue team:
Despite the danger and complication the rescuers refused to give up and were determined to bring these boys home.
We all know people in our circle of influence that are trapped in their own emotional cave. Like the rescuers we cannot just write them off, dismissing the chances of change and growth. From the outside, with perseverance and courage we can reach them, inspire them, help them and rescue them from their dark place.
Don’t just marvel at the story and walk away impressed – become part of the experience yourself.
A good message, Rabbi Gourarie. Thank you.