09-16-2025, 08:44 AM
"Many a true word - spoken in jest." (J. Joyce).
Learned that one many, many years ago. It is remarkable how often it proves to be correct. More remarkable is how some of the 'best' long standing 'jests' or jokes contain not only sage advice, wisdom and foresight, but in a few words can define a deep seated 'error' in thinking:- for example.
A bloke is walking along a pier when he sees a fellah jump off the side - heading out to sea.
"Hang on Mate" he calls as he throws a life ring into the water close by.
"No thanks" shouts the swimmer - "God will save me."
As he drifts further out into rough, deep water, the local lifeguards are rowing past in their boat; they stop and call out " Hold on a minute, we'll get you out". "No no " calls the swimmer, "God will save me" and he keeps paddling out to sea.
Now caught in a rip, and a long way from land, the local helicopter operator winches a man down to effect a rescue: They get the same response; and shortly thereafter, our swimmer drowned.
A little while later, in God's office he' is furious; "Why did you not come to my rescue?"-he bellowed, "I've been a believer since birth; why did you let me drown"?
God said, "not my fault mate, I sent you the life ring, I sent you the surf club, I sent you the helicopter: can't see what you have to complain about now...
I wonder, did the crew of the SS Ley ever hear this old saw - or understand it?
Toot - just saying - toot.
Learned that one many, many years ago. It is remarkable how often it proves to be correct. More remarkable is how some of the 'best' long standing 'jests' or jokes contain not only sage advice, wisdom and foresight, but in a few words can define a deep seated 'error' in thinking:- for example.
A bloke is walking along a pier when he sees a fellah jump off the side - heading out to sea.
"Hang on Mate" he calls as he throws a life ring into the water close by.
"No thanks" shouts the swimmer - "God will save me."
As he drifts further out into rough, deep water, the local lifeguards are rowing past in their boat; they stop and call out " Hold on a minute, we'll get you out". "No no " calls the swimmer, "God will save me" and he keeps paddling out to sea.
Now caught in a rip, and a long way from land, the local helicopter operator winches a man down to effect a rescue: They get the same response; and shortly thereafter, our swimmer drowned.
A little while later, in God's office he' is furious; "Why did you not come to my rescue?"-he bellowed, "I've been a believer since birth; why did you let me drown"?
God said, "not my fault mate, I sent you the life ring, I sent you the surf club, I sent you the helicopter: can't see what you have to complain about now...
I wonder, did the crew of the SS Ley ever hear this old saw - or understand it?
Toot - just saying - toot.