Little Green Apple

In his autobiography, astronaut John Glenn described his years as a test pilot for the military. Once, he entered the test area at an altitude eight miles above sea level. Suddenly his canopy seal blew and, at the same moment, his oxygen regulator went out. He switched to emergency backup, but that failed as well.

Glenn's eyesight deteriorated and large patches of black floated into his vision. His only hope was a small bottle of compressed oxygen in his parachute pack. Holding his breath, he put his plane into a steep dive while groping for the "little green apple," as it was called. Just as his lungs were about to burst, he found the small wooden ball containing the precious oxygen, pulled it, and inhaled deeply. That little green apple became Glenn's "souvenir of survival."

It's the oxygen of the Word that keeps our minds sane and our vision clear. As we draw the Scripture into our spiritual lungs, we regain the capacity to pull out of nosedives and to fly above the clouds. Certain verses become "souvenirs of survival" for our souls.

Is your "little green apple" within arm's reach?

Turning Points

Page 41

March 2006