Family Strength after the Firestorm

I write to you from Canada. My Dad is from here (Southern Alberta). It has been a family tradition to visit for a big family reunion over the 1st of July (their 4th of July). This year was also marked special by the celebration of my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Family traveled from all over the world to be here.

The Firestorm

On Friday afternoon, as we were packing up things getting ready to go, we received a phone call. A phone call you never imagine you will get. My aunts house burnt to the ground. In the massive conflagration it was a miracle no one was killed. The Lord was truly watching over their family. There was not even a moment to grab a photo album or family heirloom. In fact, all of the family history was in the house as my aunt was preparing a special book/presentation/video for the celebration.

Priceless items are lost forever. But what was not lost was that which is most precious, life. The home will be rebuilt. The clothes replaced. In the immediate aftermath it wasn't clear if the reunion should continue (my aunt lives down the street from my grandparents). But amidst the grieving the decision was made to continue.

So here I sit in Canada. It has never been so clear to me what is important in life. If my neighbor called me and told me my house burnt to the ground, I don't think I would lose much. There will continue to be grieving and rebuilding but family and the strength we draw from one another after the firestorms of life, this is where joy and peace come from.