After the Storm

It happened again this week.  I’ve noticed that whatever happens, now matter how bad it seems, how bleak it seems, no matter how much devastation the storm has caused, I have noticed that whether it’s the next day or later the same day, the sun shines again. I think the first time, this paradox struck me was in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo.  I was 13 years-old and my family and I had spent the night huddled together on the floor behind the couch with a twin mattress covering us, just in case. We heard howling wind, and high-speed rain from every imaginable angle all night beating against our house. As we listened to the radio people were calling in reporting their dilemmas to receive advice as no one could brave the storm to help.  I was awake nearly all night, but it seems I began to doze off sometime after the storm’s eye passed over us. I remember that the first window I peered out of was our kitchen window that faced the backyard. My parents had opted to leave the backyard natural with 30 or more pine trees and underbrush. On that morning, there were maybe 4 trees still standing. Their trunks were twisted and the tops mangled.  There was debris that could have traveled miles, and the sound of chainsaws buzzed in the background. Upon walking outside, we knew why the chainsaws--there were trees blocking the street. No one could leave the neighborhood by car. As we ventured out, there was the sun, big and bold, just like always. It was an absolutely gorgeous day following a “hurrific” night.
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Last month, we experienced Hurricane Florence.  On Thursday, we experienced Hurricane Michael and the same thing happened.  The sun. We, personally, didn’t sustain damage from either Florence or Michael, but we are in South Carolina and the news media shares all of the warnings.  We did buy extra groceries, not limited to bread and milk. While we didn’t have damage, many people did. Many are still experiencing devastation from Florence and other storms from the past.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Every time something terrible happens, and it feels like the world is ending, I an struck by the steadfastness of the sun.  No matter what happens here on this earth, we can always count on the sun to shine right when it is supposed to. The appearance of the sun gives us hope that although things look bleak, the earth is still in its correct in its position in the universe, and it’s still spinning  on its axis, and whatever has just happened will pass. The fact that we can see the sun should remind us 1) that we are still alive and 2) that God is still in control. Whatever we are dealing with we can rest assured that He knows, He understands, and He will see us through.  

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

​On Thursday after the rain and wind stopped, my children ventured outside.  I followed.  This is a video of a bird that caught my eye.  Yes, It did make me think of the dove that Noah sent out after the flood. 

Thank you for reading. 
Blessings to you this week!
​Kim

Copyright 2018 Kimberly Griffith Anderson