Fireworks Fright!

Last night, our neighbors decided to set off fireworks. It wasn't a holiday or celebration. They simply wanted to enjoy the colorful display. While their desire for entertainment was understandable, poor Tess was absolutely terrified. When I say terrified, I mean she vibrates so intensely that I genuinely fear she might shake apart into a million tiny pieces.

We were in the middle of dinner, with Tess strategically positioned nearby to catch any falling crumbs or tasty morsels. At the first loud bang, I gasped in surprise, and before I could blink, she bolted through the doggie door. By the time Jason and I slipped on our shoes and rushed outside, she had completely vanished. The only evidence of her desperate escape was a small, freshly dug hole beneath the front corner of the fence in the side yard, the spot farthest from the fireworks.

Jason set off to search the neighborhood while I stayed home in case she returned. As I waited anxiously, a puzzling thought struck me: why had she run away instead of into my arms? Typically, when something frightens her, she dashes straight to her Mommy. Why was this time different? I knew she was terrified, yet I was baffled that she didn't seek my comfort but instead fled from my protection.

Then a gentle conviction settled over my heart. I wondered how often our Heavenly Father asks the same question about me. Why, during times of stress and turmoil, do I run from Him instead of to Him?

I thought about how frequently I mirror her behavior. When life's troubles explode around me like unexpected fireworks, I often scatter in panic rather than seek shelter in God's embrace.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

How profound that such a simple verse contains the remedy for my fear! The Lord isn't just available in our times of need. He's "very present." He's not distantly observing our struggles from afar but is intimately close, waiting for us to seek His shelter.

What drives us to run from rather than to our ultimate protector? Perhaps it's our instinct for self-preservation taking over. Maybe, like Tess, we become so consumed by fear that we forget where true safety lies. Or possibly, we've convinced ourselves we need to escape entirely rather than find peace within it.

Whatever the reason, the result is the same. We exhaust ourselves running in circles when perfect peace awaits in His presence. How differently would our troubles look if our first response was to run toward our Father rather than away from Him?

After about an hour, once the fireworks had finally subsided, Tess cautiously wandered back through the front door we had left open for her. She was wide-eyed and breathing heavily, but thankfully safe and unharmed.

As I wrapped her in a blanket and held her trembling body close, I realized true safety isn't found in escape but in the arms of the One who promises never to leave nor forsake us.

So, the next time life's unexpected fireworks start booming around you, remember Tess's lesson. Run to the Master, not away from Him. He'll keep you safe.