Daniel C Berman

It was a dark calm night. A refreshing respite from the hot blistering east winds rolling off the nearby desert. A group of several fishmen prepare to cross the lake as they had done numerous times before. This particular stretch of water was known for being treacherous, but like any natural phenomenon with experience comes familiarity, and with familiarity comes respect and understanding. Or so they thought. Because of the lack of wind they sheathed the oars and began rowing across the several mile distance. Softly the water laps against the boat and they talk of the bewildering days events. Gradually a breeze begins to pick up from an unexpected direction and whips the water into a frenzied chop with waves crashing against their shallow draft boat from multiple directions. As they hurriedly bail water from their craft in an attempt to remain afloat, a ghostly figure begins moving toward them. No boat, no means of transport, only moving toward them. One of the fishermen stand bent against the torrent of rain and wind and peers to recognize the figure. Deep within himself, he recognizes a connection with this figure which is beyond explanation. He must understand why, why now, what does this figure want with them, what does it want with him in particular. For some unexplained reason he shouted against the wind, "ask me to come to you!" "Come!" His eyes fixed on the figure he step out of the bucking craft and began moving toward the figure. Suddenly through the haze of confusion and amazement he began looking at the waves crashing around him and the realized that nothing below his leather sandles should be supporting him. Instantly swallowing the water began to wrap itself around him, one final cry erupts from his mouth. "Save Me!" The creator of the universe grabbed his hand, set him back on his feet and they walked together back to the group of breathless fishermen. He still stands ready to grab each of us, and guide us through the storms of life when nothing makes sense, all of our circumstances seem to be falling apart, and the way forward seems to uncertain to even consider making a statement of intent or desire. I know because I am right there, right now. Where do you think the safest place was, the boat or beside the creator of the universe?