Hot Wheels

Five years ago today both of our cars were burned to a crisp, caused by a downed high power electrical line which fell during an ice storm. Here is my post on our family blog which describes the event.

http://labargefamily.blogspot.com/2011/02/hot-wheels.html


Praise the Lord events like this are not the end of the world. No one was hurt and cars are only things and fortunately Jackie and I never had to walk to work all the way from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids.

This morning in church I was thinking that a lot of the people I test are men and women in transition. They are recently removed from incarceration, entering or reentering the work force or making an effort to get their stuff together after problems with drinking or drugs. So often I hear the same story. They finally realize that it is time to take responsibility for their lives and to do that requires moving on one step at a time.

I am always impressed when someone wants to get away from the people and behaviors that they know are dead ends and have sucked the life out of them and then actually take the steps required to do so. Many then express a strong desire to help others who are where they used to be. But as good as this is, and it is good, the power to bring about any real change in one's life or in society is limited without being connected to the source that can bring light into the darkness.

Pastor Britten mentioned in his sermon that the light shines brightest in the darkness and I agree. If you've ever seen a downed high power electrical wire making contact with an object in the middle of the night the flash is almost blinding. As Christians we are connected to a power that far exceeds what Consumers Energy can provide. It changes lives, brings peace where there is strife and gives us hope when our eyes say all is lost.

Today as I worshiped, arm, hand and being extended to give glory to the Father, I also felt some sadness for those who have no idea what it is like to pour out one's soul to the indescribable Lord. When the music stopped I still prayed silently for those that have only heard of the light and have never felt the power. The loss of one or two automobiles I can deal with. Not so much the eternal loss of a friend.