Recently, he has taken up Frisbee golf or disc golf and enthusiastically displayed his perfected throws. We were having a blast when Nathan came across a small sinkhole on the ground that he had discovered before. This hole measures approximately 5 inches in diameter and around 18 inches deep. As Nathan looked into the depths of the hole, he excitedly exclaimed, “The frog is still here!” He proceeded to inform me that he had seen the frog in the hole a week ago and believed it had made it its permanent home.
That’s when it happened. A feeling of empathy swept over me, encompassing my entire body. I was struck by a profound compassion. I realized that the frog had not willingly chosen to reside in that hole. Memories from my childhood flooded back, reminding me of the times when we used to dig holes in hopes of capturing an old toad frog. I approached the hole and peered inside, desiring to see for myself. And there he was—a weathered brown toad. I informed Nathan that the frog was trapped in the hole, unable to escape. I conveyed that the old toad might have deliberately entered the hole in pursuit of something he desired, but had subsequently discovered his inability to exit.
The conversation continued: “We’ve got to get him out! ” I said. Nathan replied, “You get him out; I’m not touching him. ” “l will get him out,” I quickly responded. “Why? ” Nathan asked. I answered, “He can’t get out on his own, and I’m not leaving him in that hole. I know how it feels! ”
I had connected with that old toad. Of course, the toad didn’t have a clue, but I had been infused with a new mission. I would do whatever it took to get him out of that hole.
It did not matter in the least to me how he had gotten there. He could have accidentally fallen in.
Having the option to jump into the hole in search of a treat, or use it as a hiding place to escape from something chasing him, I didn’t know why the frog was there. However, my sole desire was to release him. So, I knelt down and reached my hand into the hole cautiously, even though I feared encountering another creature that might bite me. Despite this fear, my intention was simply to retrieve the frog, set him free, and watch him hop away into his newfound freedom.
It proved to be a challenging task to capture the toad. As I reached into the hole, the toad leaped to the side, avoiding capture. A root crossed the bottom of the hole, causing the toad to move back and forth on either side of it, making it difficult for me to catch him. When I first touched him, he jumped forcefully, startling both of us. I quickly retreated my hand. This game of cat and mouse, or rather man and toad, continued for a while. Interestingly, there was a spot in the hole where the toad could enter that I couldn’t reach him.
Of course, he found that place. He Jumped, turned around and backed into a little cave-like scooped out place underneath n ten root In ten Diatom AT ten noel. I recant Ana could not get to ml. I thought, “Mister Frog I am trying to help you escape, but you are working against me. If you only knew that I have no intention of hurting you. I Just want to set you free. ” He was so afraid, so he was doing everything he could to avoid me and my rescue efforts. It was really hot in the yard. Nathan suggested that maybe the frog wanted to ATA in the hole.
I quickly informed him that the frog was not willing to remain in the hole. Given the current situation, the frog likely believed that staying in the hole was safer than being caught by something so large. I understood his perspective. Just imagine seeing something so gigantic looming above you. My mere presence had shrouded the hole in darkness. The frog had no means of understanding my intentions. We lacked the ability to communicate. Being larger and more dominant, I had taken charge of the situation and decided that I would rescue him from there.
Although I found his excessive concern irritating, I knew that the ultimate result would justify whatever terrifying ordeal he had to go through in order to be free. By this point, I had firmly decided that the frog would emerge from that hole, even if it required renting a backhoe and excavating the entire backyard. It’s hard for me to fully explain, but one thing that has happened during this time is that I have developed empathy towards anyone or anything experiencing pain. The mere thought of an injured animal or person suffering softens my heart. Through my own anguish, I have become aware of another realm that always existed, but now I feel like it truly belongs to me.
Similar to the frog in the hole, it is often easy to overlook the distress happening in someone else’s life. What’s even worse is having an inappropriate mindset about it. That frog voluntarily put itself into that hole, so it should figure out its own way out! It shouldn’t have taken that initial leap into the hole! (Implied: let it perish in there.) Let someone else be responsible for rescuing it! I can’t believe it willingly jumped into that hole! I refuse to touch that unsanitary frog! I won’t allow myself to get dirty by entering a hole to save a filthy frog! Hey everyone! Gather around and witness this frog trapped in a hole!
Regardless of how or why the frog ended up in the hole, what matters is if it should be rescued. This can be compared to a car accident victim arriving at the hospital in an ambulance; fault doesn’t matter – saving their life and aiding in their recovery takes precedence. Refusing help based on responsibility for running a red light would be unimaginable. Questions about future behavior or potential harm caused by actions are secondary concerns that can be addressed later, once the person has regained their health. During emergencies, such considerations are irrelevant.
We have personally experienced the painful response from others during this time, with insinuations that we didn’t deserve care while we were attempting to recover. This sentiment was sometimes unspoken but evident through avoidance of eye contact or cards suggesting we find happiness elsewhere with God’s assistance.
I devised a plan to free the frog by reaching on the opposite end of the root, running my fingers underneath, moving the dirt out of the way, and poking the frog from behind to scare him out of the hole. This plan was called “Operation surprise”. Once I extended my tongue towards the dark hole and touched the toad, he jumped out and I captured him. Instantly, the frog was liberated and began happily hopping around. Although I couldn’t understand frog language, it was evident that he was enjoying his newfound freedom in a spacious yard filled with various bugs.
My life has been restored! I am curious about the number of frogs inhabiting a hole near you. Perhaps you are one of those frogs in a hole. Recently, I managed to escape the deep hole I had jumped into. I will forever be grateful to the Lord and the individuals He utilized to extend their assistance to me and pull me out. There was a time when I did not desire to be freed. Despite the constraints and barrenness of the hole, it felt safer than the outside world. Most of us have encountered our own version of the “Cave of Dualism.” Regardless of how someone ends up in such a hole, they require assistance. At times, they may even express their reluctance towards seeking help.
Thank God for those who persist until the frog is out of the hole, as this represents God’s true grace in action. Grace liberates us and comes at a cost to the giver, but is free to the recipient. Jesus had to give everything for us to receive everything. It’s important to note that he extended grace not because we deserved it, but out of his genuine love for us. He endured shame, carried our sins, and shared in our sorrows to rescue all of us frogs from the holes we had chosen to jump into.
Dear Reader, find courage in the midst of overwhelming darkness and despair. Even when fear consumes you and you question God’s presence, His grace will always find a way to reach and rescue you from the deepest darkness. It may unsettle and provoke resistance within you, but remember that God understands what is best for you, even when it is beyond your comprehension. Place your faith in Him! I am filled with joy for having emerged from that pit! You see, I made the conscious decision to help that elderly frog not out of obligation but because it was the morally correct action to take.
