Riding the storms

Storms.  Last night we were up very late as some of the worst storms in the history of Georgia slowly crept through the state.  We were spared but so many were not.  It’s hard to see the devastation on the news.  The loss of life and property—it is heartbreaking.  Thinking of so many who are suffering today.

I marvel as I watch people giving accounts of the loss of their home and all their belongings while still praising the Lord for sparing their lives.  I love this attitude.  In a day and time when so many people are defined by their possessions, it is good to hear people that are thankful simply for life.  

I watched a video of a mile long tornado that went through Alabama before holding together and sweeping through Georgia.  As you watched the video, you would see the debris in the funnel and outside of the funnel twirling through the sky.  I thought to myself—what are those things?  Pieces of houses, buildings, roofs, furniture, pictures, letters, personal possessions?  Gone, twirling through the sky, landing who knows where. 

You have 5 or maybe 10 minutes warning to get to the basement.  What do you grab?  What do you hold onto?  As we sat last night waiting for the storm, we all were preparing for the possibility of heading to the basement.  Daughter got her pillow, flashlight, kindle, and stuffed bunny.  Son got nothing… he was already asleep upstairs.  As I thought about it, all I really needed in the basement was my family and my cats.  I also had my cell phone charged and by my side.  Seems like a good way to stay in touch if the house comes down.  I pondered other things as I watched the storm.  Should I get daughter’s asthma meds?  Should I grab my purse?  Maybe a picture or two?  In the end, the storms went just to the north and south of us and we never went to the basement. But it makes me think.  

 

What is important?  What am I clinging to that is unnecessary in my life?  If it all blew away tomorrow is there really anything other than my family that I would hold tight to in the midst of a storm?  I know my Savior would be there beside me.  I know His Word would be on my lips.  I know songs of praise would be playing from that charged cell phone to keep us calm.  I think I’ve got all I need in easy grasp.  All the rest could be replaced but maybe it wouldn’t even need to be.  This has me thinking today.