Things We Learn in the Storm
We saw the Hurricane Michael Wednesday, October 10, and God was with us. The sound was terrifying. The force was devastating. We only lost the garage door, the barn roof and twelve trees. Others lost their homes and belongings. Eighteen who did not heed the warnings died. Mexico Beach is gone. Panama City and its neighbors are crippled. Here are some observations I’ve made in the last few days in random order. Some of them inspire me to dig into the Word more deeply:
• God is there in the storm.
• The storm challenges nerves and faith.
• God doesn’t need a phone line or a tower.
• Storms intensify your love for your family and friends. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #1)
• Getting ready for a storm is worth the effort. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #2)
• There are a thousand ways to get dirty when you can’t properly bathe.
• Bathing is a luxury.
• Palm trees and cypress trees bend. Oaks and spruce trees break. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #3)
• Trees that break off from the root wither quickly. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #4)
• Trees that grew high look even bigger lying on your lawn.
• After a hurricane, a store line is a great place to demonstrate and observe the Fruits of the Spirit. (Or not).
• Clean drinking water and food are enough if your roof holds.
• Mid-October in the Florida Panhandle is still hot.
• Electricity is optional.
• College football is a luxury.
• A gallon jug of water weighs about five pounds.
• It takes four gallons of water to flush an old standard toilet.
• Baby wipes make great disposable bath cloths.
• Garbage multiplies overnight when there is no scheduled pickup date.
• Even if you think you need it, do not eat chocolate in the dark.
• Carrying water for household use gives humbling insight into how hard life is for women in third-world countries.
• Carrying water for someone else is a demonstration of your love. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #5).
• Worship is a state of mind, not a scheduled event.
• Neither Lexus nor Honda runs without fuel. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #6)
• The longer the wait, the greater the appreciation. (Potential Spiritual Parallel #7).
“The Lord is faithful to all of his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:13-14 NIV). “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me: your love, O Lord, endures forever—Do not abandon the works of your hands” (Psalm 138:7,8 NIV).
Oh God, I give you praise for watching over us in the storms of life. Show us how to meet needs and teach us what we should learn from the experiences. Comfort those who feel abandon and hopeless. We recognize your sovereignty and thank you for your blessings. Grant strength to those who minister to critical needs. Give us joy in your Presence.
I am thankful that you lost little during the hurricane. You are right, when these harsh storms hit, we realize how blessed we truly are.