An author once wrote a book entitled "God is My Co-Pilot." I never read the book, but I would imagine it spoke on how God is with us through the good and bad, through hardships and danger, and even in the darkest of times, we are never alone. Sometimes we have symbols that remind us of Him. Some people wear crosses, pendants or bracelets that are a tangible focus to our faiths and hopes. Sometimes we need courage during the fight, sometimes love when we are abandoned, for some, hope during the storm. We simply need God, but during those times He may seem too far away. Those symbols sometimes refocus us on His presence when we need it the most. A charitable childrens organization recently gave the Fire Department some stuffed toys to give away to children that have been involved in traumatic events. For the past few shifts "Scooby" has been my side rider. I am quickly growing fond of Scooby being there (although as of yet he hasn't found any of my jokes funny). Someday Scooby and I will have to part. I hate that. Mainly because it will mean that some child has just been involved in a wreck, or their home is on fire. Perhaps they would have just lost their favorite toy, or pet, or worse yet, a mom or dad. When such a day comes, life doesn't make sense. Life isn't fair. Life hurts in ways they could have never imagined. They will need something to hold onto. They will eagerly latch onto anything that will bring comfort, anything that they can touch. On that day Scooby will be the silent hero. He will spend the night, and most of the rest of his existence being there with them. A symbol of something that remains, a constant, a hope, and a comfort.
I pray that such a day never happens, but history has taught me it is inevitable. I pray for the safety of those that will travels the roads tonight and those that sleep. And if something goes wrong, we will be there, doing our best to make a bad day better. And when we the firefighters, ems and police officers can't make it better, most assuredly God will be there. A source of comfort and hope. I believe God is everywhere...
Sometimes, He just looks like Scooby Doo.
