The flames

Written Monday night -

Last night I opened my eyes at 2:17am to hear my neighbor ringing our door bell and yelling "fire, fire". The two story house kitty-corner and behind our house was blazing by the time I peaked out my blinds. The flames were roaring over the house and the embers, ashes and smoke were blown into our yard by the wind. We dressed and ran outside to see the house quickly consumed and the houses on either side catching fire. I grabbed our water hose and watered down some of the embers that landed in our yard and we called 911 to get the firemen to make it to our side of the hill. Our house is fine, only ashes on our cars this morning and in the yard but an eirry feeling looms with the lingering smoke smell. A harsh reminder of the dangers in the world we live in - and how quickly it can all change.

In moments like these I remember how precious and fragile life is. I remember the important things in life - the ones we love. I thought about how there are so many forces/ that are seeking to destroy us....and how I am helpless to stop some of them and some I could drive myself crazy trying to prevent and still not be 100% sure - life is just full of risk.

After I saw the flames died down I went inside and looked at my kids. I covered them up, kissed their foreheads and thanked God for them. I prayed over them - that the Lord would protect them from the things in life that seek to destroy them, hurt them - physically, mentally and spiritually and that I would have wisdom to be their mama, courage to face this life full of uncertainties, trust to still let my children enjoy life abundantly (not fearfully) and strength to trust in the only ONE who is certain.

So this weekend - as I recheck my smoke detectors and talk to my children about our fire plan and meeting place I will be reminded of how fragile life is, how much I have to be thankful for and that for better or worse, my life in the Lord's hands.