The Slave Lake Fire

One of my greatest fears as a child was of losing my home in a fire. I thought of losing all my toys, all of my families cherished possessions, our home and I couldn't imagine how devastating it would be. Last night and today, with the wild-fire that have ravaged Slave Lake, Alberta such fear has become reality for an entire town, as the town is expected to be lost. The town hall, radio station and police station are already announced gone.
Two provinces over disastrous flooding is being curtailed by a protective dike breach, which will sacrifice certain farms to save the surrounding area.
Often I see these disasters and embarrassingly don't think much of them, I suppose because disasters are quite common. However, as natural disasters have effected my friends, first in Japan with the tsunami, where I have several Japanese friends who I met at Bible college and now in Slave Lake where my buddy Simon's in-laws, the Engler's and their family live, I am reminded of how real and devastating life can be. Each day is not in our control. Our homes, our livelihood or our loved ones can be taken away from us. What can we do?
I choose to trust God with my life, my friends and family and pursue a compassionate life.
My thoughts, compassion and prayers are with the people of Slave Lake this morning. Esp. Amy Engler and her family and the flood drenched families in Manitoba. May the peace of the Holy spirit be with you in these difficult times.