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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

In a Life Boat With a Tiger


Have you ever read " Life of Pi"? It's a story about a boy who gets stuck on a life boat with a tiger named Richard Parker. However, he doesn't know at first the tiger is there. He thinks there is only a hyena on board.

I just read the following passage and immediately related to it. It made me laugh, and laughing is a good thing right now.

Here's what the narrator, Pi, has to say"

"You might think I’d lost all hope at that point. I did. And as a result, I perked up and felt much better.

We see that in sports all the time, don’t we? The tennis challenger starts strong but soon looses confidence in his playing. The champion racks up the games. But in the final set, when the challenger has nothing to lose, he becomes relaxed again, insouciant, daring. Suddenly, he’s playing like the devil, and the champion must work hard to get those last points.

So it was with me. To cope with a hyena seemed remotely possible, but I was so obviously outmatched by Richard Parker, that it wasn’t even worth worrying about. With a tiger aboard, my life was over. That being settled, why not do something about my parched throat."


There are times in our lives when we are stuck on a life boat with a 500 pound Tiger. This is one of those times for me. Do I know how to deal with a Tiger? No. I know nothing about Tigers.

So instead, I'm going to just enjoy the boat ride and let the Tiger do what he wants.

A wise woman recently told me that once you figure out God is in control, and not us, life gets easier.


So here's me, handing over the reigns...

5 comments:

Annessa B. said...

Great book quote! And, the reassurance you get with God as the tiger in the boat is, it may get rocky but he's not gonna eat you entirely! Hang in there. Love you!

Maren said...

I love that book, too.

I had to go through a similar change of heart this summer. Not being in control is not my generally my cup of tea. It was terrifying and liberating all at once. I wish you the best of luck!

Lisa Henderson said...

I love that picture of you guys!

april said...

I love this picture --- I saw it on melissa's facebook -- so so cute! :)

Grandma Caroline said...

It seems we all have to face the tigers in our boats every couple of years or so.