Article July 15, 1972 Issue

Moments of Surrender

CHARLES MORRISON BAXTER

Years ago a young boy, at his summer home on a quiet lake, was trying to learn to float on his back. His aunt was instructing him. "Just let yourself go," she said. "Relax. The water will hold you up." Her encouragement was in vain. The instant the lad relaxed and felt himself sinking, he became frightened, and started flailing about, sputtering and coughing until he got to his feet. He finally gave up.

A few days went by. Then, while wading alone near shore, the youngster decided he would try again. Leaning back into the water, he surrendered himself completely to the lake and floated effortlessly. He marveled at how easy it was when he let himself be carried by the water, when he completely surrendered.

Let's face it. There are times when we feel out of our element, unsupported, perhaps mentally flailing in panic. But if we have been persistent in declaring God's omnipotence and the nothingness of an ungodlike, evil, mortal mind, these may well be times for a breakthrough.

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