I'm over here!

Whatcha supposes dem hoses is fo'zes?

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Our homeschool group took the smallest ones to a local fire station for a field trip. Two of the men at the station are especially gifted at the public education side of the job. They were gracious hosts and provided us with an excellent tour with plenty to see, hear and learn about who they are, what they do, and how they do it.

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Before suiting up, one fireman gives them permission to be loud. The kids are supposed to hollar, "I'm over here!" He pretends they are not loud at all. The kids giggle between bursts, but as they shout, and you see the strain in their little necks, simultaneously offering up a prayer of thanksgiving that they are not doing this in your home. In unison, they happily achieve their loudest yells. They are told to call that way if they are ever in a fire and the fireman is looking for them, trying to save them. At this point, they are comfortable with him; they're all smiling.

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Then, he puts on one article at a time, carefully explaining its function as he goes. It's all about safety and protection. When he gets ready to attach the oxygen regulator, he predicts that he will sound like Darth Vader.

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Finally it happens. The moment his attire is complete, and they hear him breathe through the regulator, their knees get wobbly and one of our kids actually tried to make a break for it. Mommy catches him and tries to explain that it's okay, and he's the same nice man we liked a minute ago.

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Forgive me if I preach, but isn't this like Jesus? What I mean is, generally we are all comfortable with at least a partial image of Him, but when the Bible unfolds fuller details, the crowd tends to thin out a little. Have you noticed that?

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I love my savior and crave to know Him for all he is. Is he calling for you? Then shout, "I'm over here, Jesus! I'm over here!" And do not run from Him, 'cause he's here to save you.