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With all that’s going on in the world, I find myself pondering G
od’s grand plan. As I write this, Hurricane Irma is about to hit the Florida coast. In its wake are entire islands completely destroyed and I pray that the human casualties are low given the amount of preparation time many have had.
I have family trying to head north of out of Florida, luckily they’re retired and have the opportunity and connections well north of the impending hurricane pathway. For the thousands who are fleeing the state, there are many who must remain, like my older sibling who is an administrator in a hospital. In times of great peril, we must give credit to those who walk into the fire, so-to-speak, instead of fleeing from it. If there ever was a higher purpose for someone’s being, I can’t imagine what it would be.
To all the firemen, law enforcement, hospital staff, electrical crews, water and sewer teams, etc, who remain in the line of fire (or hurricanes as it were), I hold you in the highest of esteem.
This, just days away from 9/11, makes me think back at the immense sacrifice people go through. Then I’m overjoyed by the feeling of hope and promise when I see how our country will come together as they always have in the past. Our differences are set aside and we rally when the chips are down. As witnessed in the most recent past when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, the people of the USA band together, traveling from all over the country and further to assist those in need. Hurricane Jose is right on the heels of Irma. I hate to ask what’s next!
Hurricane Irma will prove no different. Those of us on the east coast will now be asked to step up. Help wherever and however we can. I ask you to do your part, even if it’s simply to donate a few dollars to a service, shelter, or charity.
In the midst of all this I, once again, ask God about His grand plan. Within the past two weeks, I’ve had a flood in my basement, half of my house without power for one week, and also realized our stand up freezer was cracked open. Thankfully, we found the foods partially frozen so they were salvageable. All-in-all, problems that can be fixed, but it makes me ponder the reason for the succession of events. Are the experiences in my home simply a mini manifestation of what’s going on with the Earth?
I don’t believe God deals retribution or punishment but is certainly present in times of struggle and hardship. God’s answer? “In all things, I Am there.”
