19 April 2009
Reach Out
April/19/09
Many years ago I was working on a rigging crew in Wheatland, Wyoming, during the construction of the Laramie River Power Plant. Two co-workers and myself were hanging a bundle of tubes in the top of the firebox. I know that this probably doesn t mean much to you unless you have done this. It is a bundle of tubing used to produce super steam that will turn the turbine and produce electricity. This bundle is about 200 feet up, with nothing but air and a long way down to the concrete floor below. One worker and I were on the outside edge of the bundle when someone above us dropped a socket. The socket landed just in front of my co-worker and then ricocheted, striking him in the forehead. I heard the noise and looked to see this man teetering on the edge, just about to fall to his undoubted death. I ran the fifteen or so feet just in time to grab him and force him into the bundle. I called for the other co-worker to help hold the now unconscious man as we were slowly lowered to the ground. We all survived and as far as I know the man is alive and most likely a grandpa by now.
I prayed very long and hard that night; for the man s recovery and thanks for protecting all of us that day and for the days that followed. It is so amazing to realize how God places us in certain situations and at different times to make a difference. Much like He did with Esther as queen, but also as savior of her people. To think that this very moment God has placed us in Casper, Wyoming, working at the jobs we have, encountering the people we do, and doing what we do every day; so we can make a difference. We have the opportunity every day to change a life or even save a life. So many people are falling and at the end of their terrible tumble is death and eternal destruction. God has arranged it that we are in the right place at the right time to do the right thing. Let’s all reach out today and each day here after.