MORE Fires...

What is California known for (Other than perfect weather, perfect plastic bodies, beaches, earthquakes and Hollywood)??? It's the brush FIRES that seem to rage every summer! Thankfully we have survived the summer without too many close to our home (we live in fire zone). We had one hit last week (kids lit the fire in canyon near our house) and it burned 17 acres and brought out all the creepy crawly critters (tarantulas). Last night I was driving home and noticed the "oh too familiar" smell and sound of helicopters and fire trucks. Sure enough there was a fire in the canyon behind our house. I usually like the fires because it brings the neighbors out and makes us socialize whereas normally our neighbors keep to themselves. So I got super excited to hang out with all the neighbors, but then the cops came by ordering a voluntary evacuation. I watched in amazement as the fire climbed an enormous hill in a matter of seconds. (thankfully it burns slow coming down). In a second I realized we THINK we are in control, we have a sense of "security" but this is GOD's earth, his creation, his masterpiece and HIS to do with whatever he wants. We don't live in our world, we live in HIS world! Thankfully he's promised not to destroy it through another flood, but we are at HIS mercy. I don't always think that way, and it's good to have reminders. The power and awesomeness of a raging, burning all consuming fire is yet another reminder.

We eventually had a mandatory evacuation and we stayed with a friend until it was controlled. This is the 3rd time in 5 years that I've had to sit at my front door and think "what do I take, what pictures, what files, what material possessions do I not want destroyed?" each time I draw a blank and I take nothing but the kids and myself. Maybe I'm not organized enough to grab it in a moments notice or maybe I just don't value any possessions, but another reminder that we are born with nothing and we can take nothing out when we leave this earth.

We are back in the house and safe (though it smells of smoke). Even though I love the lessons I learn from brush fires, here's hoping we don't have anymore this summer:)