An Act of God?

By: Eva Fry
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:41:48
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At 3:30 am we awoke to the smell of smoke. The hills behind our house were on fire. The flames were not yet upon us but with each gust of wind, we could see flames traveling our way. The news report made it clear, our life was in danger and our house and all of its possessions could easily and quickly go up in smoke. The plans for the day, had seemed important, but now meant nothing. We set out to prepare ourselves for the worst. We rushed through the house grabbing the things most important to us, medicines, telephone numbers, insurance policies, etc. The first thing I threw in my car was my scriptures.

Once the car was loaded, we spent our time, frantically watching the fire, listening to news reports and checking with the fire department. We were assured that if we had to leave, they would warn us. For the next two days we were on survival watch. Our possessions and vain ambitions had no meaning.

Then something wonderful happened. The calls began to come. Calls from family and friends, concerned for our welfare. Calls from those we haven’t heard from for a long time. There were calls from business acquaintances, offering their help. So much love was sent our way that it brought me to my senses. I realized I was so caught up in my own fear that I had forgotten about others. I had gone inward to my survival mode and become selfish. I wasn’t thinking of others.

I made two big pots of soup and baked two cakes and began sharing with others. I took it to an older couple with poor health and to friends who were also afraid. I invited my neighbors for dinner. For two days we enjoyed having each other’s company, as we watched the flames head our way. How comforting it was to have them with us and to share our concern.

As I thought of our situation, I realized how life had changed in one day. We, like everyone else, had been caught up in getting ahead, making a living and accumulating things. All of a sudden we were caring about the important things of life, our families, each other, helping others, and being grateful for what we had. At that time my prayers became very meaningful.

They said these fires were an Act of God and I began if that was true. I’m sure God didn’t start the fires to cause us pain but because of the fires, we were all more human, more humble, for caring. For the time, we realized what was really important.

Thankfully our home and possessions were saved as the big bombers dropped water on the blaze. As I thankfully put my possessions back in their proper place, I hoped I would never forget the things I learned from the Fire Storm experience and I knew the fires really had been an Act of God!

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