Thankful for Grace

We took a drive to see the northwest side of Colorado Springs today. I have forgotten that our big city is so small. We tend to stay on the north east side of the Springs where we work, go to school and church. We had no idea how close this fire was to our home until this drive. Our favorite places to hike and play are all along the Waldo Canyon Fire area. I honestly don't think we were prepared for what we saw. Our mountains and favorite trail will never be the same in our lifetime. We were able to drive down Flying W Ranch road off Centennial. With the exception of the mountain side burned it looked like a normal neighborhood. And then all the sudden it was home after home burned to the ground. I want everyone to know that we were on Flying W Ranch Road which is like Barnes road. Out of respect for our Colorado Springs neighbors we respected the privacy of the residence and did not drive directly into any of the neighborhoods nor took any photos. But the destruction was evident and heartbreaking. This was also a learning lesson for Lilly and Owen. As we were driving we saw a home burned to the ground with a swing set in the backyard. Lilly and Owen took this to heart and both were very sadden for the children that lived in this home. Owen prayed right then and there and soon Lilly followed. God is most certainly in control and still the same today as yesterday. The fire may be smoldering in spots but the destruction will remain for a lifetime. Praying for all of these directly effected by the destruction of the Waldo Canyon Fire.