Specialties

Seasons End

by Constance Gilbert

The participation medals were handed out to the first graders after the last soccer game of the season. Grandma (That's me.) was there, of course, with her camera. As we walked across the field, the coach said, “We're not done yet! There's a special event just for our team!”

After cluing the drivers in, we headed through town and pulled up by the park. The team was ready to spill out into the park. “Stop! Can you wait for lunch so we can ride in a fire truck first?”

Now, do I have to tell you how excited they were? Their coach had attended a silent auction, bid on and won a fire truck ride for ten. So off we went across the street from the park for a tour of the fire trucks. After the helmets were passed out, we saw all the different sizes of fire hoses, axes, and other emergency equipment. Patiently answering question after question, the paramedic / fireman showed his love for children as well as his job. But just as he was going to line the children up for their ride, the Fire Chief called out, “I need help here!”

After working on one of the truck's, he had cleaned out a hose covering the driveway with foam. It needed to be sprayed down... with a big fire hose, of course. Off the little “fire boys and girls” went to save the day. It took all of them and the Chief to manage that big hose, but they were up to the challenge.

Fire Chief, Sisters, Oregon

The team and their coaches then climbed into the fire engine. With all safety belts fastened, the huge truck started up with a roar and eased out of the station house with lights flashing. But I'm not sure what was the brightest, those flashing lights or the smiles on the crew's faces.

Nearly a half hour later, they returned ready to tour the fire house. (They let us grown-ups come too.) We meet one of the three interns, who actually live at the station for weeks while they're learning. And we saw the dorm, where volunteers or firefighters from other cities can sleep when needed. The beds in there fold down from the wall, which the fire girls and boys thought was really special.

It was a wonderful end of the season event! Well worth a late lunch according to the quick poll taken by the ambulance on our way out.

As I listened to my grandkids chattering on about their adventure, I was thinking about the commitment of first responders. It's not only a job, but a life style. Staying at the station for 24 hour shifts means adjustments for their wives and families. It also means cleaning the station and the trucks, repairing hoses and other equipment, cooking, exercising in their fitness room, practicing, doing laundry, filling out reports, monitoring weather and forest fire reports, playing pool for fun, and resting. (There were enough big recliners around the big screen TV for every fireman to put his feet up and relax.)

Discipleship requires that same kind of commitment. As followers of Christ we need to learn be responsible to the Chief and lover of our souls. That means learning the rules through Bible study and prayer, practicing the skills He's given us for the job we're to be assigned to, and changing our life to one that is pleasing to Him. Every facet of our life is included- cleaning, cooking, fixing things, playing, exercising- all to make up a life that is balanced so we can do our best. It also means working as a team, depending upon each other, spending time with other soul-fighters, and relaxing in Him.

The lover of our souls is our Big Brother, our instructor, our mediator, our protector, and friend. Have you considered your commitment lately? Like the first responder, are you prepared and ready to follow the Chief wherever He needs you? At season's end, I want my life to have made a difference in heaven. How about you?

photos also by Constance Gilbert