Thanksgiving Fire II

I never cease to be amazed by the faith of people. Before I tell you of the response of Steve and Paula on Sunday morning, I must give you a small history of their walk, especially Paula. It was nearly one year ago that Paula was leaving the street our church building is on and pulling out to turn left on a four lane she did not see the motorcycle that hit her. She told me that she never saw him coming. The rider of the motorcycle hit her front end and flipped off the bike. He did not survive the crash. Paula was distraught as you might imagine. To make matters worse for her, the family of the man put up a sign that Paula has to drive by every service that says "Watch out for motorcycles, they are everywhere." There is also the name of the man who was killed and a cross. It is a constant reminder to her of the event. She never complains about it, but prays for that family. She really felt remorse for the whole sad event. We too have prayed or the family and cannot imagine the loss o a loved one like that. That event on Paula's life took place in the month of November.

The house fire I told you about happened to them in the month of November. Paula told me Sunday that she thinks that next year she is going on a month's cruise in the month of November so that nothing will happen to her. I told her that the boat would probably sink. We had a great laugh about that. I am glad to see her smile.

I tell you this whole story to let you see into the heart of a faithful couple of people. Sunday morning they both responded at the end of the day just to make a statement. Steve and Paula wanted everyone to know that they were celebrating! That's right--celebrating!! Paula said, "Yes, we may have lost all of our worldly possessions and even some that cannot be replaced, but I could be attending five funerals today and I am not." Her children and grandchildren were all in the house when the fire broke out. What a blessing!

Faith teaches us that even when it looks like all things are going wrong that we can find something to be joyous about. Steve and Paula could be down in the dumps and no one would blame them, but they have chosen to look at the blessings instead. Praise God for their testimony of faith! I hope that when the time comes for me to endure hardships--and it will come, that I can have that kind of spirit.