Still Singing

The day in review…

    This morning I woke up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.  I snagged a few and headed to Starbucks before I landed at a friend’s house for breakfast.  We talked about the summer – how awesome it’s been, how busy it’s been, how quickly it has flown by.  It was a great morning.

    For lunch I headed on over to Subway to meet with a guy who calls me a “mighty man of God.”  That name is much more appropriate for him because he is the one who is always encouraging me.  It’s always great to share some really thought provoking conversation, especially when it’s about eternal things.  It was a great lunch.

    I went back to the apartment to chill for the afternoon.  Our neighbor from downstairs came by and we all chatted for a while.  After he left I sat back in my chair, and yes, I played some video games.  After receiving some ridicule from the roommate I gave a defense on how everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves, even if it was virtual.  It was fun.  It was a good afternoon.

    A cloud rose over the window and Hannah moved to the front door to see if it was rain.  What was a perfectly normal afternoon took a turn for the worse.

    As soon as the door opened thick smoke billowed into the apartment.  There was no time to think.  I moved to the door and grabbed something to cover my mouth as we pressed through the smoke.  We live on the third floor and the smoke didn’t let up until we made it to the parking lot.

    A minute later the flames burnt against the door of our apartment.  Then there was a loud explosion, driving everyone to the other side of the street.  Everyone was still waiting on anyone to show up.  We felt lost.  It’s hard to say anything other than “I’m glad we made it out safely.”

    More time passed and then the police showed up, followed by the fire department.  Hannah and I were talking to a girl named Sophie, stealing glances at the flames that were jumping out of our bedroom windows.  Everything in there was gone, but we were outside and safe.  Thank God.

    My phone was gone along with my keys and wallet.  I didn’t have shoes on because I wasn’t wearing them in the apartment.

    Sophie’s boyfriend had run to the store and bought water.  He made it back and began passing it out to everyone nearby.  There was nothing to do but wait or move on, so Hannah and I asked Sophie to take us to a friend’s house.

    My family is great.  My friends are great.  I have so many people to rely on.

    Before long my sister had made it over and she took me to the store to get some clothes and all those basic everyday things you need.  I’m blessed to have been able to pick those things up immediately – some people couldn’t do that.

    In the apartment I lost my phone, keys, wallet, Bible, all my books and clothes, computer, golf clubs, guitar, and a bunch of other things.  I came out alive and so did everyone else – thank God because that fire went up quickly.

    At the end of the day I’m sitting in the Jones’s apartment watching a movie.  I’m in some fresh clothes with some great friends.






    So at the end of the day I’m still singing.  How can I keep from singing when I know I am loved by my God, my family, and my friends?  Nothing eternal was lost today.  In fact, eternity just got a day closer.

    Good night friends.  Keep singing.