Sirens in the Distance

 

In 1982, we moved to the Brainerd area of Chattanooga where we heard sirens often. My wife and I developed a good habit: every time that we heard a siren we said, “Somebody’s life is changing.”  And it’s so true.  Whether it’s a police siren, a fire truck siren, or an ambulance siren, the terror is the same: someone’s life is changing.  And we need to remind ourselves of several things:  First, it could’ve been us.  Be grateful for every ordinary day; a day in which nothing much happens.  Thank the dear Lord for boring days!  Next, we should say a quick prayer for the person whose life has been affected by the tragedy.  It could have been an accident that they were involved in; it could have been a medical emergency that suddenly happened; it could have been their stupidity that finally caught up with them.  Whatever the event, they need prayer.  And thirdly, we pray for the families involved.  Tragic events may happen to individuals, but there are always parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, or friends who are affected as well.  Which brings me back full circle.  The distant siren needs to remind all of us to be grateful to the dear Lord for peace and safety that He gives us each and every day. That emergency could have been me.  That emergency could have been you!  Don’t forget Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”