FIRE, FALL & GOOD FRIDAY
FIRE: It happened so fast and I've decided that I will never try to deep fry again. Leave it to the experts. When the fire started on my stove, I thought it would go out (you know... like the small bursts you sometime get from spatting fat under the broiler or in the toaster oven), but when the flames grew, well... my mind could not wrap around what my eyes were seeing. The flames ended up being 4 feet wide and 6 feet high. The plant in the kitchen window was in flames, my curtains (thank GOD were canvas and not frilly but they) burned. The dishwashing liquid bottle just crumbled in melty fashion before my eyes. No slow motion here. It was fast. Grayson and I were beating the flames out with a towel. The fire extinguisher in the front hall closet (not my brightest move). I was just about to give up, grab the phone, and let my house burn down, when we beat the flames. I had cut my foot, my kitchen was black with soot and my son just held me tight. Then, he said, "Mom... your hair!" The whole left side of my head had been singed. I didn't care. My son and I were safe. Bob was safe. He had been grocery shopping and came home just as we put the fire out. The smoke alarm was going off and smoke filled the kitchen and he came in saying, "Momma's cookin'!" Only to find out that "momma" had nearly burned the house down. The fire had blown up in my face. I'm not kidding. Whooosh! Right in my face. It's by the grace of God that I still have a face. Not a burn on me. Not my hands, arms, face, chest, or neck. My hair... I rinsed it out and you couldn't tell anything had happened by the next day. To me anyway. Now, my house is a different story. But we were so blessed. So favored. Clean up crews are in my house (as I write this) cleaning walls, ceilings, floors and cupboards. Insurance is covering everything, including repainting the entire house and replacing things that were lost or damaged. FALL: I know it must seem rushed that summer hasn't even clearly arrived, and I'm already talking about fall. But, that's how we do it. Two days after the fire, we had to pack up for Chicago to book our Fall 08 lines. Jessica went with us this time to learn more about how and why we make our choices. She was delightful to travel with and showed us a confidence in buying that far surpasses her 19 years. She is going to be a great buyer/owner someday. We had a day and a half to book our entire fall line and we did it in 14 hours. AMAZING! These trips are usually fast and furious and (as much fun as most people think they must be) we work very, very hard. I'm extremely excited about what Fall 08 will bring. New lines, new looks, new fabrics. But... lets enjoy our summer before we talk too much about next fall.
GOOD FRIDAY: I know that Good Friday is just another day for some people. For me, however, it is one of the most important days in the history of the world. I know that God is real. I know that Jesus is real. I know it is by the grace of God I was saved from the fire in my house and from an eternity without Him. I am overwhelmed with the thought that God would sacrafice His son for me. I couldn't do that. I just couldn't be God. I want to encourage you, friends.... if there is even the tiniest thought in your mind that maybe, just maybe God is real.... take a moment and talk to Him (privately) and ask Him to reveal himself to you. It just might save you from the fall and the fire.
Happy Easter!
God bless you, your family, and all your friends!
three comments:
Fires not only destroy, but they also renew. Or, in keeping with the Good Friday spirit, the fires have resurrected. I’m certain that a new spirit of gratitude has risen from the ashes within your household.
Funny how we’re made aware of the grace of God, whether it be that 18-wheel truck on the expressway that nearly kills us, the agonizing 3-day wait for a medical test’s results (and finally coming back negative), or the substance abuser that is freed from the chains of addiction.
For me, when I can quiet my thoughts, and get quiet with God, I am overwhelmed by the mulititude of opportunities that have come my way via calamity. A situation that could drag me down, have me groaning the “poor ‘ol me” mantra, instead becomes an opportunity—I am paradox incarnate, indeed.
In fact, I’m sitting here grinning to myself Lauren, because reflecting on your “situation,” and sharing my thoughts on your blog have amplified my sense of gratitude for many of my current blessings. Just so many, too many in fact, for me to be fully aware of.
So I hope that your unscheduled kitchen remodel is progressing on schedule. My apologies for being unable to attend Movie Night (I hope you got the message), but I shall make the trip to your store soon, so we can talk shoes.
I don’t know if Jessica told you what I said about your shoe selection…? Had Marshall Field’s shoe buyer had your keen sense of fashion, I would have done another $200k in sales—easy. Fodder for our next conversation.
‘Till next time.
Craig - 10 04 08 - 20:04
Craig: Ok… WOW! Thank you for your response. Thank you for your interest. It does not take a keen observer to see the wonders of our existence and a maker who’s grace is neverending. But, unfortunately, many many people miss it! I’m so glad you are not one of them. I did get your message about the movie night. I was sick with that darn upper respiratory thing for 6 weeks. Errg! Jessica also told me about your visit in the store and all the interesting things you are involved in (or have been involved in). Multi-faceted, aren’t you? Well, (as we say at Lorla’s) “Yeah You!” ‘til next time… old friend.
Lauren - 16 04 08 - 17:30
I should also comment… for all those worried and wondering… We’re doing FINE! Praise God! The entire house was chem sponged and the entire house repainted (colors of our choice). The work is done. Now to put the house back in order. In all my copious free time! (ha) We have a new microwave, new stove, new lighting in and new smoke detectors. Most important in the kitchen… new FIRE EXTINGUSHERS! For those of you that don’t have one mounted below your kitchen sink… I HIGHLY recommend it. Home Depot has one for $30 (kitchen approved) and it’s CUTE! Ok, that matters to me. It’s white and small and mounts just nicely below the sink. I bought them for both our bedrooms too. My hair has been cut off. SHORT! So what. It was time. It was pretty badly singed, but for some reason, most people couldn’t tell. God is so good to me. Only my hair stylist knew for sure. So short is it. And, I think I like! If you come in anytime the rest of this month and mention “Fire Sale” you can get one full priced item for 30% off. This will let me know how many of you really read this blog. :) Stay Safe!
Lauren - 16 04 08 - 17:37
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