A young military lad was about to make his first parachute jump. His sergeant reminded him, “Count to 10 and pull the rip cord. If the chute doesn’t deploy, then pull the second ripcord for your auxiliary chute. After you land, the truck will pick you up.” With those words echoing in his ears, the paratrooper took a deep breath and stepped out into space. Following instructions to the letter, he pulled the first ripcord. Nothing. He pulled the second ripcord. Nothing. As he hurtled toward earth he thought to himself, “I’ll bet the truck won’t be there, either!” Yes, things can always get worse. And knowing things can get worse only adds to the darkness.
