The fire alarm went off at the same time I heard my daughter scream, “Fire, fire!”
“I’ve got to go. “ I told my sister-in-law and quickly hung up the phone. As I approached the top of the steps, my fear was confirmed. The nachos were more than burnt–the oven couldn’t even contain the fire that was escaping through the seams of the door.
My first thought was to get everyone out immediately, but suddenly courage came over me and I faced my fear head-on. I knew there was a fire extinguisher under the sink–my husband put it there 12 years ago when we built our house. I quickly grabbed it, pulled its plug and fidgeted with the strange device. My son saw my confusion and grabbed it from me. I thought I would make sure it still worked before opening the door, but Billy had more confidence than me and wasted no time at all. “Ready?” he said, I nodded and opened the door as he pulled the trigger. With a big burst of white dust, the fire was gone. Like a well oiled machine the two of us saved the day… and, no doubt, the house.
One minute we are enjoying life–cooking up something good to enjoy, and with the blink of an eye it is out of control. Perhaps that’s why Mamma always said “don’t play with fire” when all I wanted to do was have a little fun.
Some fires are good and enjoyable; they bring warmth, comfort and nutrition. Others are not–right from the get-go they are dangerous. But even the good fires need to be treated with respect or they can take over and destroy everything they touch.
What kind of passion is burning in your life today? Are there hopes and dreams that are driving you toward great things? Then be careful not to let anything or anyone shoot it down. Are there rich and rewarding enjoyments that have gotten out of control and become obsessions or addictions? Then be sure to cry out and let someone help you get life back under control.
As the kids and I opened windows and set up fans, my husband came in and pulled the oven right out of the house. The next day I had a beautiful new stove. I am so grateful to have a man who gets things done!
It may take my daughter a little longer to shake off the nacho jokes that she may have to endure for some time, but she is confident in her knowledge that once again God has worked all things together for our good, and there is no shame in making a mistake that can be redeemed.
If you once had a passion that was burning strong, but condemning critics and difficult circumstances have shot it down, maybe it’s time to stop choking on the fumes of your extinguishing dreams. Get some fresh air, maybe even get a new oven, but whatever do, keep going.
Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you shall reap if you do not loose heart. (Galatians 6:9)
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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.
If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.
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