"The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."
Psalms 29:7
Psalms 29:7
Imagine being born, having a family and still residing in the same town now in your twilight years. Imagine still living in the house that you purchased over half a century ago. It is a peaceful day, a normal day when a wildfire breaks out unexpectedly and endangers your home within several hours. Years of work is jeopardized by its ferocious flames. Innumerable antiques carefully stored and preserved for future generations are only separated from the fire by walls. Decades of memories connected with a house that is in the path of one of the worst wildfires in forty years... and you have to leave.
Three weeks ago today, a fire broke out across the Mission Canyon area of Santa Barbara, CA. This area had not burned since the 1960's, and accumulative undergrowth from the past 40 years was perfect kindling. The fire's lashing flames were reported across the nation as dozens of homes and properties were consumed. Regardless of its recent publicity due to the fire, Santa Barbara is a special city in our family's history.
It is the hometown of my father, where he was born and grew up. It continues to be important to our family as my paternal grandmother resides in our family home of over fifty years. Some of my earliest memories were the lovely days at her home, eating succulent fruits, picking gorgeous flowers, and feeling the cool sand shift under my feet. God's creation of this part of the California coast is truly spectacular.
Annie Hope and Emily
Notwithstanding the tropical climate and the natural beauty, Santa Barbara (and surrounding cities) also claim very dry and brushy hillsides, and dusk winds that tear through canyons at speeds up to 90 mph, known as "sundowners." Together these variables are the perfect environment for roaring fires and mass destruction. (Note: here is a brief post of last year's fire, the Tea fire.)
Four o'clock doves
The Lord in His providence protected our family's home, and allowed the fire to only get within three feet of its walls. For this we are very grateful. However, my grandmother's land was not without damage. In fact, significant foliage damage did occur on one side of her property. Flames made their way to the macadamia tree and roasted many nuts. Thankfully the old tree has survived the shock of fire burn. One of my sisters is holding some of the Jesusita Fire roasted macadamia nuts.
The Lord in His providence also knew that many homes would burn. One home belonged to a long-time family neighbor, Mr. Pratini, whose fire-engulfed home is pictured below.
"You always have a glimmer of optimism," said Mr. Pratini, who had lived in this house since 1960. "You build up a lot of memories, and a lot of attachments."
During the suspenseful days of May 5-7 when the fires roared up and down familiar streets, our prayer was that God would accomplish His perfect will, and conform our desires to His will. We looked forward to seeing how He would use this troubling natural element for His glory and purpose.
A pencil sketch of damaged or destroyed areasWe also prayed that first of all, those who were in some way touched by the fire would seek those things that moth and rust can't destroy. Secondly, that we would surrender all aspects of our lives to Him completely. That we might be faithful with the earthly blessings and treasures, and yet know that they are His, to be used and disposed of for His glory. And lastly, that He might teach us all that He desires. In times of trial, He has our attention in a very real way. May each of us learn what He would have us to learn in every season.
Grace intently studying a Santa Barbara Newspress article and pictures on the Jesusita Fire"Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word..."
Psalms 148:7-8
A brave young man passed each test with a steady gaze...
