Things I learned in the Fire

My family was affected by the wild fires that blazed their way through San Diego last week. These are my thoughts about the experience.

You know that the scenario people often give. If your house is on fire, and you can only take three things, what would you choose? Well, I have two thoughts on that. A. it won’t be what you think it’d be, and 2. Even if you have hours to decide, it wouldn’t be any easier. We have a lifetime of memories stored away in out things. From the concert shirt, you’ve dragged around with you since high school to your wedding dress. In the end, when you’re talking life and death, and survival afterward, it’s those memories that matter.

When I was forced to evacuate my home, I took three things ( Kids obviously included) Electronics, Photographs, and a suitcase of clothing and everyday items. None of the other things mattered. It was a no brainer. It changed my views on life. Those things we toil over, save for, and display with pride can be gone with an instant. If that happens will we be happy with what’s left? Have we been making a life full of memories, or become a slave to the –more and bigger-is-better craze sweeping this nation?

I’ll just come right out and admit it. I’m a sentimentalist. I assign random things with value because of the memories made with them. Every time I look at them, I get a hit of joy and nostalgia. That was my main concern as we waited to hear the news on our home. Well, along with the whole starting from scratch aspect that comes with the devastation that occurs after a natural disaster roles through.

By the grace of God, we were fine. The fire shifted direction last minute and other than the smell of smoke and ash covering everything like a layer of grey snow, we had no aftermath to speak of. Since that day, I’ve lived my life with intention. I wake daily and meditate on what I’d like the day to be like and the things I like to accomplish. I believe putting positive energy toward what matters most to you makes a difference. My experience renewed and strengthened my decision to live a positive life, and has led me to make different decisions. Sometimes we get to caught up in going through the motions, stressing over things we can’t change, and missing the precious moments we can’t ever get back. I think we forget how to live in the “now”. When they say life is short, it’s more than the minutes ticking down on our clock. It’s the twists and turns around the corner that may come along and change our lives forever.

.