“Don’t be afraid, the LORD is always with you." ~ 1
Chronicles 28:20
A vacation was just what Tim and
Amy’s marriage needed. They faced
calamitous stress: demanding careers, a mountain of debt, aging parents. Demanding children topped their list.
An occasional night out wasn’t enough; family vacations
afforded no privacy. Setting time aside
to talk was always cut short by some ‘emergency.’ That’s exactly why this trip was sans-kiddies. Tim’s Mom agreed to watch the kids. They loved her – and she them.
They backed out the driveway and into another world. Think gentle ocean breezes, towering palm
trees, and piña
coladas under lavender cocktail umbrellas.
The resort promised “Caribbean romance, pampering massages, and
delectable cuisine.” The quiet elegance
of white sand beaches awaited them . . . and they couldn’t wait!
As they neared the Sub’s exit, Amy noted thick black smoke
stealing the clear blue sky. Tim reversed
course to check it out.
“Thank God it’s not our home, let’s keep moving,” said
Amy. But Tim maneuvered closer, “That’s
Fred DuPont’s home; he’s not off work yet, maybe we can help somehow.”
Tim grabbed her by the shoulder, “Where are they?” he
screamed. “In the basement,” she sobbed,
“Down the hall and to the left.”
Despite Amy’s protests, Tim soaked himself with the water
hose, asked the Lord’s blessing, and bolted for the basement. Amidst the acrid smoke and scorching heat, he
grabbed two tiny bodies, clutching one under each arm like the football star he
once was. As he fled, he heard more
faint whimpers.
After delivering two badly frightened and nearly suffocated
children into waiting arms, he filled his lungs with fresh air and headed back
toward the searing inferno.
Amy stopped him. “Tim! Don’t go back! It’s suicide; the floor will cave any
second!” He heard the barely-audible
sound of sirens in the distance, but there was no time to wait. He shook her off and rushed back downstairs,
feeling his way down the smoke-filled hallway and into the room.
It seemed an eternity before he found two more
children. They started back, coughing
and stooping low to get what available air he could. As they stumbled up the steps, something
seemed strangely familiar about the little bodies clinging to him.
Once in the sunlight and the anxious arms of rescue workers,
he realized he had just saved his own two children. They’d had a play date with Fred’s children. You just never know . . . what tomorrow will
bring . . . or take away!
Lord Jesus, life is fragile. We never know what moments will make up the
fabric of an ordinary day. Today’s a gift! Help me live it wisely with prayer and
gratitude to share what I’ve been given.
Amen
