Christian Living

All That Matters

by Anne Adams
02/27/21
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"Hurry!" Mike urged little Tony as he ventured a glance behind them. "The smoke's getting thicker!"

Just moments before they had been had been strolling along a trail in the national forest when suddenly Mike caught the smell of smoke. Then as they mounted a rise that gave them a view of the surrounding area, he could see the an oncoming brushfire, snapping and crackling as it got closer..

"We’ve got to turn around and get out of here!” Mike reached for Tony’s hand and they began their retreat back down the trail toward the parking lot. He knew once they did that and drove off they were safe.

Another look back told Mike that the fire was getting too close, so he turned off the gradually descending trail to take a short cut. Still holding Tony by the hand, Mike detoured to approach a small bluff where he could scramble down to the parking lot right beside the car.

However, another glance warned how him how close the fire was so he knew he wouldn't' have time to help Tony get down so the slope. His only chance was for him to scoot down then have Tony jump into his arms.

"I'll slide down and you can jump down to me," Mike told his son and then descended, turned and held out his arms. "Now jump! I'll catch you!"

But just as Tony got ready to jump, suddenly an oncoming plume of smoke came swirling up to partially obscure him.

"Daddy!" He screamed. "I can't see you!"

"But I can see you - just jump and I'll catch you."

"But I can't see you!" The boy squealed.

"You don't need to!" The father called. "I see you and that's all that matters! Jump!"

The boy hesitated a half second more and then just as the smoke nearly obliterated his small figure, he hurled himself down the bluff - and into his father's arms. They hurried to their car and drove to safety.

Sometimes like Tony I might panic from fear when my problems seem overwhelming. However, though I know God will help me I know I must jump from my own ideas into his plans for me, and all the while completely trusting him to be there to catch me. And indeed it does take trust because though I may not be able to see him, he can see me and is ready for me. This of course is all that matters.