Seven weeks ago, the world rejoiced when the news that 33

miners trapped a half-mile underground in Chile for 17 days were found to be alive. I’m sure most of the people familiar with the accident, including some family members, had given up hope that any would survive.

The good news was that the miners were alive, but how did they manage without food or water?

A couple of days after, the world news wire report told the story of how the men managed on a two-day supply of food to be used for an emergency. It was reported that the men disciplined themselves and lived on two spoonfuls of tuna, a sip of milk, a bite of crackers and a morsel of peaches, not every day but every other day. When they were finally reached, the miners still had some food left. Their discipline and teamwork showed how the men were determined to stay alive.

The news then was that the men were still alive – a miracle. The bad news was that experts said it would be three to four months before the miners could be rescued.

The drilling of the escape shaft to free the 33 men is now completed. After 10 weeks trapped in a dark hold over 2,000 feet below the surface, the men were told the time has come to begin the 20-minute ride through the narrow shaft to safety. I can only imagine the anxiety of each man waiting to be reunited with family and friends.

Who would be the first to enter the shaft to experience freedom? There was no squabbling over who would be first, but much discussion over who would be the last to take the twisting half-mile ride into the embrace of those they love. Everyone volunteered to be last, wanting the others to go first. What unselfishness!

Today, the rescue will have begun with the rest of the world anxiously watching and waiting for the completion of one of the most inspiring happenings of our time. I pray that the miracle is completed.

This should teach us a lesson about discipline, teamwork and the will to live.

I’m reminded that what the devil meant for destruction, God will use for His Glory.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.