This morning…

At 5:20am , I was dispatched to a “two-car 10-50, unknown injuries.” I remember as I drove to the firehouse that I didn’t brush my teeth – I’d try not to breathe on anyone.

A man died this morning.

I wondered as I helped extricate the body after the coroner was finished with his work, “Was he saved? Did he know the Lord?” I notice a lunchbox on the passenger seat, seamingly untouched by the violence of the impact. Silently I find myself praying for the family whose members would be forever changed on this wintry January morning. God comfort them!

A man died this morning.

After returning home, I called my wife to make sure she got to school safely. I tell her I love her.

A man died this morning.

I’m looking out my office window now, watching the snow fall. It’s gorgeous outside. Big, fluffy flakes gently falling - conditions perfect for a winter hike. In my mind, I can picture the accident. It’s been 3 hours since I cleared the scene. The cars are gone, traffic is moving normally, drivers oblivious as the new snow covers all signs of what happened just hours earlier.

A man died this morning.

Kneeling next to that wrecked Toyota , I caught a glimpse of the eternal. Each life is unfathomably precious in God’s eyes. This morning, Heaven either rejoiced or wept at the passing of this cherished child of the Father.