Reflections on a storm

A few days past Hurricane Irene, I'm mulling over a couple of things.  I thought I'd share them with you.

  1. I hope I've increased my ability to be thankful.  We lost power to our home like thousands of others.  Ours came back on after about a day and a half.  Others still don't have it.  I'm thankful to have electricity.  The sun is shining today.  A huge wildfire about 45 miles from where we live is extinguished.
  2. I hope I don't slip into the trap of frustration that "things weren't as bad as they had been predicted."  As I have listened to (and read) about people's comments, I am surprised at the critical spirit some have demonstrated toward the forecasters.  I have seen plenty of pictures showing the devastation that took place both south and north of where I live.  Regardless of that; the way some are talking, you'd think that it would have been better if a tree had fallen on their house.  At least that way, they would feel like they were inconvenienced for no reason.
  3. Compassion is important (and related to the previous thought).  Where I live; not much significant damage took place.  But some did experience that, and even in our city, an 11 year old boy was killed from a falling tree.  I hope I remember to think of the needs and concerns of others when I face potential trouble.  I loved all the reports I personally heard of people going out of their way to help each other.  Why do we wait for a hurricane to do that?
  4. The big picture is important.  Life does move on.  We have very close friends whose daughter was to be married on Sunday...outdoor ceremony and reception.  After some last minute scrambling; she still is enjoying her honeymoon this week.
  5. The potential for danger caused me to stay in touch with those who I was most concerned about to be sure they were safe.  I wonder if the reality of the spiritual danger that faces some of my friends who are outside of Christ causes me to do all within my power to make sure they are safe?
  6. The experience of Irene reminded me that I'm really not in control.  There are some things in life that I have a say in, but much of life is like Irene.  I prepare; I consider what I need to do; I listen to the advice and counsel of others.  But in the final outcome; the disposition of all that happens in my life is up to the loving wisdom and sovereignty of my Heavenly Father.  Would I have been accepted it as within the realm of God's sovereignty if my home were one of the ones that was damaged?  Or would I have developed bitterness and anger?  
  7. My appreciation of my Savior has increased again.  After watching the wind and seeing video footage of the waves I am reminded of the musings of the apostles after Jesus calmed the storm: "Who is this that even the wind and the waves obey him?"  I can trust someone who is more powerful than "mother nature."
So what has been your experience through the storm?  What are your thoughts as you reflect on the past week?

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