Watchman at The Gap

In many ways, I live an introspective life. By this, I mean that my mind never, ever ceases. I am always thinking, wondering, puzzling - and yes, worrying. I wonder about the nature of things, the behavior of societies, the motives of the heart; I am always, always observing. And it frequently exhausts me.

I find this to be both blessing and curse. The blessing comes in those moments of insight and revelation from above that fill me with hope and glimpses of understanding. The curse comes in those moments when the inner vortex temporarily blocks the light, resulting in paralytic depression. To say that I have a tendency to over-analyze everything would be an understatement. I am constantly seeking that framework, that context that provides order and meaning to the way things work, the way people are, the purpose for which we live. Such matters are inseparable from faith, because so much of individual and collective behavior is linked to a corresponding belief system, regardless of its definition. Actions (or inactions) are always driven by motive compelled by belief (for even "lack of belief" is a rooted belief system). Some of these are good, some are not - although they can be difficult to judge apart from some moral standard.

I listened to a sermon podcast this morning that reminded me that actions of kindness, mercy and grace - particularly offered to the stranger who is yet our neighbor - are merely the fruit of a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not the actions themselves which enable salvation ("not by works") - but the relationship that transforms and empowers and stimulates us to service. "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (James 2:18)

As I pondered this reminder, I was further touched by a story that seems to be making the rounds in various international papers this weekend. It is the story of an 84 year old man, Don Ritchie, who over the past 50 years has personally intervened and prevented scores of suicide attempts at a cliff known as the Gap near Sydney, Australia. I urge you to read for yourself the accounts from the Sydney Morning Herald and the Independent. In the latter, I found myself profoundly moved by this excerpt (emphasis mine):

Lost souls who stood atop the cliff, wondering whether to jump, say their salvation was a soft voice breaking the sound of the wind and the waves, asking: "Why don't you come and have a cup of tea?"

And when they turned to the stranger, they say his smile made them want to live.

Mr. Ritchie, who lives across the street from The Gap, is widely regarded as a guardian angel who has shepherded countless people away from the edge.

What some consider grim, Mr. Ritchie considers a gift.

"You can't just sit there and watch them," he said, perched on his beloved green leather chair, from which he keeps a watchful eye on the cliff outside.

"You gotta try and save them. It's pretty simple."

How easy it is for us to become completely self-absorbed with our own struggles, fears, and preoccupations. We allow that inner vortex to block the light and in so doing, become convinced that we alone are suffering. Sometimes we feel like the one standing at the edge, wanting someone to come to our aid and getting frustrated when they don't. Yet we are not alone, and there is a voice calling, pleading, saying: Just turn around, step away from the edge, and walk in a new direction toward what you know is true. The believer is called to look outward, not just inward. To look upward, not just downward. To see that which is right before us - opportunities to be that soft voice, that friend, that intercessor that stands in the gap to prevent any more lost souls from leaping off the cliff into despair, disillusionment, depression and destruction.

It's all very simple, you see. Believer, you can't just sit there and watch. "You gotta try."

(h/t: Lori Ziganto)