Getting In The Boat

(A Fable)

by David B. Swanger

A pilgrim, weary from his long encounter with a relentless
tide, raises his eyes and gazes across a great expanse of
water. In his mind's eye he visualizes a city on the far shore
whose streets are paved with gold. The pilgrim has not had
this vision before... and in his present condition cannot see
the myriad landfalls which lie between him and the far city.
But he has no doubt... he wants to go there! He wants to
leave the place of toil and pain where he now resides and
walk those streets of gold.

While contemplating his dilemma, he becomes aware of a
small but substantial boat moored securely to a tree only a
short distance away. The boat has a comfortable seat, and
there is a sturdy paddle resting against a gunwale. Wishing
to avoid the pitfalls of the surging tide, the weary pilgrim
decides to end his misery by getting in the boat.

As he settles into the comfortable seat he is keenly aware of
his new-found safety. He is happy and contented. When he
sees other pilgrims he joyfully relates to them how he got in
the boat. Time marches on, and he continues to sit there
happily enjoying all that safety ... shouting and singing songs
of praise and thanksgiving that there was a boat available
when he needed it. But the pilgrim never casts off the bow
line... never even thinks of it. He never seems to realize that
sooner or later he will have to do some paddling if he wants
to reach the city of his dreams.