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While visiting my parents in Maryland this summer, one of the treats was showing Kristi the house I grew up in.   It was the one I almost burned down.    My brother and I, at age 4 and 6, were in the basement earning points with mom and dad by cleaning up.   We were busy little guys, trying to push around the big broom and moving “stuff” to clean behind.   We moved things like a big glass jar that was full of gasoline for the lawnmower.   It slipped out of my hands, hit the concrete floor, and shattered.   I had two options in my little mind, try to clean it up and hide the damage or go straight upstairs to tell dad.    I didn’t know much about gasoline at that point in my life, and so was unaware of the danger as the gas ran toward the water heater unit which had an open flame beneath it.    Probably with my little brother’s encouragement, we ran upstairs to fess up to dad.    By the time dad headed down the stairs to check out the situation, the flames chased him back upstairs.   The whole family quickly abandoned ship, ran over to the neighbors, and called the fire department.    The firemen were able to arrive quickly and minimize the damage, and nobody was hurt.

So, what if I hadn’t gone upstairs right away to talk with my Father?   I was splattered with gas when the jar broke.    What if I had tried to cover-up the slip, even if it wasn’t really my fault?

Thanks, Lord, that I’m alive today to tell the story.    Thanks, FATHER, that no matter what, I can ALWAYS run to You, and may that always be my immediate reaction.

Ps 40:16-17
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let those who love Your salvation say continually,
"The LORD be magnified!"
Since I am afflicted and needy,
Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.