Battling Fires
I remember how my parents told me that no matter what happened in life they would be there for me. They would help me, guide me, pick me up, scold me, whatever needed to be done because they loved me, and they did. I remember how they said I could trust them with anything and everything, and I did. I believe most parents say this to their kids. Lean on me. Come to me with your issues, hopes, fears, desires, heartaches, and success. This is also something our Father wants us to do with Him.
I remember when I didn't want to leave my high school boyfriend behind, so I was going to give up my basketball scholarship and stay in Mascoutah. My dad was enraged. My mom actually asked him to leave. My mom sat down with me and just listened. She didn't try to persuade me to change my mind. She suggested that I sleep on my decision before I contacted my college coach; I agreed. Luckily, later the next day my then sweetheart had broken my heart again, and I couldn't wait to get the heck out of that town. My mom helped me put out that fire by being patient, kind, and understanding. I'm guessing God was guiding her so she didn't wring my neck.
I remember when I was hired at PTHS as a first year teacher. I hated that it was 3 hours from my family, but I was very excited to start my career. I told my dad I would stay for a year -- that was 30 years ago this August. My dad loved that I was happy and had a career I enjoyed, but he missed me and really wanted me home. He continued to support me until the day that he died.
I give you these examples of decisions or events in my life with my parents to say that we all have fires happening every day in our lives. Kids, work, spouse, ex spouse, family, money troubles, responsibility, peer pressure, college, and the list goes on. Some are burning out of control, and some are just smoldering under the surface deciding whether to burn it all down or not. These instances of my father and mother loving and supporting me made me think of my own two kids who are going through their own little fires. As their mom, I have said I am here for you, I love you no matter what, you can trust me,…
This is what God does for us 24/7, 365. I can't think of anything that my kids could do that would make me stop loving them. They may disappoint me or something, but not love them? Never. This is true for God. He pulls us through the fires and flames. He is always with us. I would ask that we pray for those people who are battling their own fires and are feeling alone or have lost their faith. Ask our heavenly Father to help them to see He has their hand, as He walks with them through the flames.