Dinosaur in the Pool Drain

Why are there harmless things from your youth that haunt you the rest of your life?  I’ve told you of the Jurassic Park movie I went to in 1959.  Those movie dinosaurs went home with me and tormented me for over forty years.  Here’s a secret I haven’t shared before.
 
While attending grade school in Britt, Iowa (yes, along with being a Titonka Indian, I am also a Britt hobo) we were required to take swimming lessons in lieu of P.E. or gym.  Why would a school have a swimming pool in those early years?
 
You’re probably thinking, “Oh, that’s a great idea for the elementary school to teach kids how to swim.”  Now, I’m not going to disagree with that thought, but there was a problem with this particular swimming pool.  It had the biggest grate over the drain that you’ve ever seen.  Let me describe it for you.
 
Of course, the drain was in the deep end of the pool.  That alone is scary enough if you’re a beginner at swimming.  In my imagination, the grate covering the drain was at least four feet in circumference.  Big enough to swallow a skinny ten year old boy in one Jonah sized gulp.  The only difference was that this humongous drain would never spit you out.  It took a long time to let go of the side of the pool and sprint to the other side.  I see it even now.  The drain smiling as its next victim swam overhead.
 
Not only have I fought off the dinosaur demon and the drain that smiles, there was also a tiger who lived in the cottonwood tree under which I walked every night in order to shut the barn door.  Imaginative childhood memories that have shaped who I am.  Now you know what’s wrong with me! J
 
There is One Who does not live in my imagination.  He is my refuge and strength.  He rescues me even from myself.  His Name is Jesus!!
 
Loving God and praying you do too!!
 
Pastor Allan
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