Well...

I had a major fire in an outbuilding on my farm on July 4th. I store my lawn mower, Kubota tractor, and other equipment in a building that's about a quarter mile from my house, and not visible from my home on top of a hill. My two neighbors who can see the building were not home, but thankfully a passing motorist saw a bit of smoke and took the time to call it in.

It was 97 degrees F that day, and because of the heat outside, nine fire companies came so they could rotate people in and out quickly.

I never thought I'd have a fire here, and, while I pray for people whenever I hear sirens of any kind, it was a shock to realize the sirens were coming here. I'd started down to the road to water flowers at my mailbox as I heard the sirens begin, thinking, "What stupid neighbor let a holiday picnic grill get out of control?"

My insurance company is handling everything without any hassle, thank God, and they determined it was very likely started by a portion of wiring that was old, and put in by the previous owner.

But, wow, I was most thankful and impressed by all these volunteer fire fighters, suited up in oppressive heat outside and inside, who quickly gave up their time on a holiday to respond.
We are all fortunate to have them. Allstate is paying part of the bill, and I'm "donating" more, but it's just amazing that people would willingly put themselves in harm's way to help other people.

p.s. No-one was injured, though at one point water was drawn from my nearby pond which has golden Japanese koi fish and alot of bright red comet fish, which perhaps got sucked into the hose.

Sorry to hear of this, Ariel. It can be disconcerting to have such an accident on your property. Sounds like you all have good neighbors and a good fire dept. in your area, so that's good.

We've not had a fire at our home, but don't ask about basement leaks. Hint . . . my next home (if we ever move) will NOT have a basement.

Thanks, Phil. Yes, I do have good neighbors.

While I don't have problems with my basement, for me it's not always easy to balance non-attachment to material possessions and property ("Do not store up treasure for yourself on earth...") with the need to be a responsible steward of what I do have. The building and my equipment were well maintained--I'm ignorant about electrical wiring though--but I only reluctantly insured it because to me it's "just stuff". But it's equipment I need so long as I live here, so, boy, am I glad I insured it, though grudgingly.

Hi Ariel,

I was wondering if you were still around as I've not seen you here in these parts lately.

Good to know you're OK, and better for it. How sweet that you could experience God in the love and sacrifice of those who helped. It's a universal reaction to be moved by sacrificial giving as you saw in those volunteers working on a holiday..I see that as Christ's call in our hearts.

And even some of the fish gave up their lives to put out that fire for your stuff.

Hi Shasha--

I'm still reading here. It's been really hot on the east coast so I'm usually working outside in the mornings, rather than reading, then the evenings are primetime with the horses-- I typically get on my computer sometime during the afternoon.

Yes--It sounds corny or like a cliche, but having the help of those volunteers was so heartening, that it made the concern of the fire pale in comparison. There had been another fire in this part of the county earlier in the afternoon, and many of the various small town fire departments were still there. The fire chief of the town closest to me, two miles away, had just returned to the fire company when the call came in for my place. By himself, he headed right out and started in here alone till the others began to arrive. Everyone must have been tired, but they did a great job, and did it cheerfully and graciously. I do believe it's the image of God, the image of Christ, that can be seen still imprinted in humanity.