Thin Ice – Part fifteen

A Mournful Neigh rolled across the snowy meadow. Scanning the horse pasture, we saw that Teddy was missing. Another neigh sounded, drawing our attention to the pond. We were horrified to see he had fallen through the ice.

The scene testified to a terrible struggle. He had partially climbed out several times and each time the ice had broken again. His efforts had carried him close to one side of the pond. One more strong try would probably have gotten him out but he was exhausted and had given up hope.

He had struggled silently for a long time. It wasn’t until he had given up doing it himself that he called out for help. We ran back to the barn for a rope and were relieved to see the vet drive up on another errand.

With his help, we formed a human chain until Troy was just able to attach the rope to Teddy’s halter. Getting back on solid ground, we braced ourselves. With encouraging words to him and all of our strength pulling on the rope, Teddy gave the final surge of effort that was necessary to get him out. Without that final surge, we couldn’t have done it. We could help, but he had to give it everything he had left.

Teddy survived. He was shaking violently from cold and was cut several places. But the cuts were superficial and a vitamin shot helped his body cope with the trauma. We checked on him several times before going to bed and each time he was a sorry sight, too exhausted to move. The next morning, however, his eyes were bright and he was anxious for food. Other than being a little stiff for a day, he was fine.

As we talked about the incident, several useful spiritual lessons came to mind. We’ve got a lot of things in our lives that can be as deceptively weak as thin ice -­money, earthly goods, our own understanding. We should not trust in things that appear sound but have no certain strength.

Another message was the exhortation to help those in trouble. Sometimes a strong hand and encouraging words are a lifeline. We can’t do the whole job for them but we can often ease their difficulties.

The most important lesson was to remember to cry for help before problems become desperate. We should always realize that we can’t do it alone. We have the wonderful privilege of being able to call upon our Heavenly Father and our brothers and sisters. We don’t have to wage along, silent struggle. We must ask for help all along the way.