I love competence wherever I find it, and I greatly admire our first responders, the police and firefighters who help keep us safe.

The other day, a carbon monoxide detector started beeping. Assuming the batteries were defective, I replaced them. Still beeping. Two beeps every 30 seconds. While I was still trouble-shooting, June came down to the garage and said the other carbon monoxide detector was beeping. Weird. But they were installed at the same time, and the batteries in both units were old, so I replaced those batteries. Still beeping. 

June insisted I call the fire department, and they sent three guys over. One of the guys took charge of the investigation, and he noticed right away that the unit was manufactured in 2012. “It could be at the end of its life–seven years.” Sure enough, when we looked at the instructions on the faceplate (which I hadn’t looked at), which was still attached to the ceiling, it said clearly, “When the unit needs to be replaced, it will beep twice every 30 seconds.” 

So when all else fails, read ALL the instructions. And don’t be afraid to call for help. The firemen not only explained the beeping, but they also inspected for carbon monoxide, assuring us we had none. And WalMart was standing by with the replacement units. What a country! And we give thanks that the beeping started around 6p instead of in the middle of the night. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3.5, ESV)

Listen to good advice if you want to live well… (Proverbs 15.31, MSG)