I have bread baskets, fruit baskets, toy baskets and, now, Easter baskets.

Even if you didn’t have access to a calendar, one look at the baskets scattered throughout my home would inform you of the approaching season.

They vary in shape, color and size, though none are large enough to hold me.

Fortunately it’s not necessary. The life of the apostle Paul weaves a different story.

According to Acts 9:25, Paul learned of a conspiracy to kill him. To escape, his followers lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall of Damascus.

I wonder if Paul was able to select the people who held the rope tied to the basket.

He needed people with strength to bear his weight, patience and commitment to stay with the job until it was completed and compassion to care about his destiny.

Who did he trust to hold onto the rope as he dangled between death and deliverance?

Though I can’t relate to the details of Paul’s experience, there are times in my life when I’ve felt like a basket case.

With mercy I may not understand, but cannot deny, God sends people to hold the rope.

Often someone who’s been in a similar circumstance offers advice, a friend who’s focused prays until I’m back on my feet, or an empathetic soul who feels my pain in her heart offers comfort.

Their actions continually challenge mine and have become an example of the type of rope holder I want to be.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.