5 Lessons from Chilean Miners

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.
Psalm 40:2

If you watched any of the 33 Chilean rescues this week in the Atacama Desert, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Here are 5 things we can learn from them: 

1. Rest in the rescueWhen you’re the most helpless, you also have to be the most trusting. Riding ½ mile in the capsule from the pit to the light required no physical action on the miners’ part; just a whole lot of trust!

2. Hug tight. Hug long. Hug with both hands. Didn’t you love the big bear hugs they gave? I didn’t see any one-handed, pat-pat-pat on the back from these guys. It was both hands, whole body, all your breath.

3. Show excitementYou know this cheer now, right? CHE CHE CHE LE LE LE los mineros de Chile!

When you’re happy, don’t be afraid to show it. It makes everybody else around you happier, too. When Chilean President Sebastian Pinera led the national anthem after # 33 Luis Urzua was up, nobody was mealy-mouthing the words. They sang with gusto from their hearts and with their bodies.

4. Say thank youNot just to one person. To a lot of people. And smile when you say it.

Urzua and others thanked different rescuers and officials for the different roles they played. Saying thank you is always a good thing.

5. Give credit to God
I loved it when a miner stepped out of the capsule, fell to his knees, and thanked God before doing anything else. Know who to credit first. All good gifts originate with Him.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...
James 1:17

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What did you learn from watching the rescues?

See great pictures at The Big Picture.