The Ultimate Hero

Growing up, it was very easy to see my Dad as a hero.  Not just because he was my Dad, but because of what he did.  When I was in elementary school, my dad was a fire fighter and the fire station was near my school.  I remember how proud I was to be walking home with my friends when school let out and stop by the station to see my Dad.  Just to be able to walk into the station, to be greeted by name by the other fire fighters, and to be welcomed with a hug from my Dad.

“That’s your Dad?”
“Yup, that’s my Dad!”

What an awesome privilege!   I find myself smiling even now as I think about it!

Each year, during Fire Prevention Week, the firemen would visit the school and give a presentation on fire safety.  The entire school would meet out on the playground and they would bring the trucks onto the grounds, lights flashing, sirens wailing.  My Dad played the part of “Sparky” the firedog.  Dressed in the full turnout gear, coat, and helmet and wearing a Dalmatian dog mask, he and the other firemen would perform these crazy antics to teach us fire safety.  Sometimes, as they all boarded the trucks and prepared to drive away, Dad would find my brother and me in the crowd and run by and give us a quick hug before leaving.

“Wow! That’s your Dad?”
 “Yup, that’s my Dad!”

This past November, we went back to Kansas to visit.  My Mom showed me a scrapbook she’s been working on of my Dad’s life – his childhood, their wedding,
his service in the Navy, and his years as a firefighter.   
Some of the articles and pictures were of people
my Dad pulled from the flames.  I remember reading
it and thinking, “Wow, that’s my Dad!”

This Sunday, we celebrate the greatest hero of them all
 – Jesus Christ!  Because He is my Savior, I can go boldly
before His throne and grace, be greeted by name, and
welcomed by my Heavenly Father.  He teaches me how to
live and not get “burned” in this life.  He picks me out of the
sea of faces and acknowledges me as His child.  I learn
more about Him every times I read His book – page after
page of His mighty deeds of love and the souls He has
snatched from the flames.

            “Wow! That’s your God?
            “Yup, that my God!”

I look forward to praising Him with you this Sunday!