By HAROLD KELLER

When I first heard the news that nine miners in Somerset, Penn. were trapped 240 feet below the ground, I immediately prayed for their safety. I then wondered how one must feel to be trapped and unable to do anything, but pray and hope that a rescue would be successful.

As time passed, and with no rescue in sight after 48 hours, my hope that they would be reached and still be alive was all but gone. The news showed how the rescue crew, the community and the families of the miners never gave up hope.

After 72 hours, I thought that this story couldn’t possibly have a happy ending. But Saturday night, when I arrived home at approximately 11:30, I heard about the successful rescue of all nine men.

I had followed the story for three days and was so excited and grateful for what I consider a truly big miracle from God.

Sunday after church, I spoke to someone whom I’ve known for a long time. “How’s things?” I asked. “Still alive,” he answered and added, “I guess that’s the most important thing.”

As he left, I thought: No, being alive is not the most important thing. Living the life we have with the freedom to choose is the most important thing – not just being alive and barely existing, but living life to the fullest and enjoying family and friends.

My thoughts went back to the nine rescued miners. Reports say that they were entombed for 77 hours. The dark, cramped chambers where the miners were trapped had a four-foot ceiling with water seeping in and the temperature was 55 degrees. At one point, water was up to their chins.

For three days, the courageous miners hung on with sheer strength. They fought to survive. When things looked hopeless, they shared a pencil and wrote what they thought could be a final message to their families. Facing death, entombed in a dark chamber, they were alive, but really not living. They were just existing, fighting for life, hoping to be rescued with the freedom to live again.

I thought about how many people are trapped, not in a dark chamber underground, but in a comfortable rut. They are alive and just existing, but not living. They are going through life not making things happen, but watching things happen. The sad thing about most people’s lives is that it takes a tragedy for most to wake up and (as the world would say) smell the roses.

I venture to say that those nine miners now know what just existing is all about. I’m sure they will never again take living their lives for granted.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at (985) 652-8477.