The Popcorn Fire

Proverbs 17:27 -- "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."

 

 

image: pittsburgh.cbslocal.com

It took several seconds of blinking rapidly before my brain finally registered that there were flames licking up toward the ceiling from the pot of hot oil on the stove. When the smoke alarm starting to scream, my sister, Karla, ran into the kitchen to see what was going on. Before I could even open my mouth she grabbed the pot and threw it into the sink - and - turned the cold water on.

NOOOOOOOO!

Inside my head I was quick enough with my thoughts to tell her NOT to do that since we were dealing with a grease fire. But alas - I was NOT actually fast enough and before I knew it, flaming oil had splashed out of the pan and onto the sides of the sink and the counter tops. Well - now what?! I couldn't get to the pot lid because the flaming pot was sitting on top of it.....

Thank goodness our Mom didn't have kitchen curtains.

By the time the Dickson County volunteer fire department left with their big fans and humorless expressions, it was apparent that the kitchen was going to need to be repainted. But thank our good Lord - that was ALL. And it was the smoke that had done all the damage. Nothing actually caught the flames to successfully ignite anything else in the kitchen.

The thing is - just on the inside of twenty - Karla and I both really KNEW how to handle a grease fire. Panic left us prone to take some pretty - we'll say, ungraceful - actions. Cool-headed, even-tempered heads COULD have prevailed....

You would not believe the number of times in my life when my actions have allowed an easily avoidable popcorn fire.

Why did I say that? What in the world was I thinking? What made me do that stupid thing that I just did? What possible good could come from the words that just left my lips?

Thank you, Lord - You left us with The Holy Spirit!! Fill me up with your discernment, Father - and create within me and even-tempered human being. Guide me in the grace of Your knowledge.




































































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