This week I was lucky enough to spend some time with the Glenpool Fire Department. They allowed our group to slide the firepole, wear fire suits, ride in the truck and simulate a fire rescue in the training station. I loved it! If I was 20 years younger, I would be signing up to be trained as a volunteer. I have always responded well in an emergency and I savored the challenge of trying to save the fireman who was downed in our simulation. The real firemen were so patient and kind. They shared stories with us about their real experiences of saving lives and fighting fires. We were made aware of the dangerous new fires that are fueled by our consumption of goods made from petroleum products. It was a humbling experience.
As I rode up the ladder truck with my friend who has also been involved in ministry, we talked about the similarities between ministers and firefighters who stand with people at the worst times of their lives. Often a family will be regular Sunday worshipers who you know but not really. It often isn’t until they have a wedding or a death that you spend daily time with them during this huge tranisition in their lives. Waiting rooms in hospitals is another place where you get to truly know a family. And even though you don’t have the adreneline rush of fighting fires, you do get filled with the warming rush of the Holy Spirit as you touch lives in significant ways. Feeling God work through you and use you for others is another humbling and awesome experience. I give thanks that I have finally given myself over to be used by God completely and that is an adrenaline rush!
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