A Big Fear

This morning Pete woke me because a house on the next block was on fire. We live in a small neighborhood on a hill, just 3 blocks wide by one block long, large lots, all manufactured homes on permanent foundations, most with upgrades to make them more "house-like"...but when these homes catch fire, they go up quickly and are gone in minutes. Pete had heard on the radio that they "got the patient out" - when I got up the ambulance was leaving, its lights flashing - and I thanked God for that blessing. But the homeowner may not feel blessed to lose everything he owns. I have heard that a fire is one of the most traumatic events that we can experience, and I hope that I only will others' word to know that and never have to experience it myself.

One summer afternoon we smelled smoke in our home. Turns out that the circuit box was in a meltdown situation, sending out smoke signals through the clothing - brilliant, putting that in the back of the master bedroom closet...NOT! While Pete called the fire department, my sister who was visiting at the time and I started carrying bird cages out the front door as quickly as we could. Even if we didn't have a fire, smoke or fumes can kill birds quickly. As we set up the cages out in the yard, the volunteer fire department arrived. Our African grey was greeting them with, "Hi guys!" and "Go to work!" which only amused those of us who love him :) while the others watched with great interest. The firefighters turned the main power off at the pole (supposedly...we discovered later that we still had power to the stick-built addition to the house) and declared an all-clear. After letting them soak up the sunshine and fresh air for a couple of hours, we brought the precious parrots back inside...but knowing how quickly these home are destroyed, I know that I couldn't get all of my sweet parrots out, especially were I here alone, and my 4 dogs and my cat.

Of all the things that I don't want to happen, I could deal with going forward into my own eternity before I'd want to deal with losing those I love - family, friends, or pets...or even belongings - and this morning my heart is heavy for the neighbor I've never met but whose life is now so changed. I know that God often uses tragedy to bring about the greatest blessings, and I pray for that in my neighbor's life because, really, how else could I pray?

Christmas Parties

Monday was the Christmas dinner for The Bug Man, down in Lansing - about 2.5 hours from us. We had a great time, as we always do. I love seeing the guys/wives that one time each year, since the rest of the time we are all just voices over the phone line. The dinner was at Hershey's this year and was superb. I got a chicken dish with spinach and goat cheese that was delicious! Although I could have just grazed at the salad bar and been perfectly happy with that also...everything was great but especially the company. To be with others who are natural and funny and delightful and open guarantees a great party!

Last night was the Christmas party for my husband's hotel. The owners were very gracious, and I enjoyed meeting some of Pete's co-workers - nice people, very down to earth and friendly. The food was great, and the people seemed to be having a good time.

The 2 parties couldn't have been more different.
One wouldn't know that each group was celebrating the same holiday. Observing the people at each party showed with extreme clarity the differences between those living for Christ and those living for the world. I definitely had a sense of being "in the world but not of it" at the one party, but I enjoyed meeting Pete's bosses and coworkers, and seeing them have fun in their way.

I'm thankful for both parties, and now I'm partied out. Because I'm experiencing some health issues that are having a great impact on our lives, and because Pete is so busy this year as a result, we're planning a quiet Christmas. If anything, we may have a small, quiet get-together or two with family members, but mostly we will celebrate the miracle of the Creator of the universe and everything in it, humbling Himself to become one of us, to mend the relationship between God and man. Because that's the whole point.