Tropical Storm Isaias just passed through my coastline a few days ago leaving about a million of my “neighbors” without electricity. Large trees uprooted, while many rested on rooftops. Downed wires and water-filled basements.... our communal joy.
As the storm was warming up for full performance, I looked out at my 100-year-old trees swaying in the winds. The all-seeing treetops were warning me quietly that my roofline will not always be spared. A nice trim could give new life and a better appearance to the tree. After all, trimming the leafless branches is much like trimming my split ends-a grooming concern that I never minimize.
I wanted to apologize for my neglect, but I was too preoccupied. I needed to pack all my perishable food and get to my friend’s freezer. Time was of the essence. I did not know which was wilting faster, me or the groceries. So off I went along the turnpike to secure the conveniences to which I have grown accustomed. Thank God for friends.
The storm did not linger long. Isaias made his point and kissed us goodbye. His efficiency will be reported in the annuals of history, no doubt. Personally, a prefer a man who has no time for small talk. Get the job done and never over stay your welcome. I must apologize, pardon my digression.
Several days after the storm, the air smelled cleaner and the skies were brighter. The temperatures were milder; a soothing breeze even occasionally passed along my face. Now, it all seemed worth the trouble. How delightful. The power outage was nearly forgotten and we all had some new stories to carry from house to house. We went back to our usual pace after cleaning the limbs from our yards and sweeping up any debris. Yes, the storm had passed.
We all know that one day there will be another storm and the wise will be better prepared somehow next time. I may even trim the trees closest to my house. Some may invest in a generator or buy emergency water and nonperishable food to manage the next setback. But we won’t be worried about the next storm; our everyday preoccupations won’t allow for excessive worry. But some of us will take steps to be better prepared.
Think of your life in the context of the disarray caused by the whirlwinds of your life. There are times when we are tossed about, hurt, disappointed, but when it seems safe, we emerge from our hiding places, clean up the mess and enjoy the fresh start. We have a new perspective. We weathered the storm, take comfort, we can restart... stronger than ever.
At this midpoint in 2020, I feel stronger and braver. I learned new skills to manage my depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I survived five weeks of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). And now, I am slowly working my way through the neurological effects of my COVID-19 experience.
Clearly, some storms come up so unexpectedly, that we can’t prepare for them. This COVID-19 pandemic certainly is one of those unexpected storms. My prayer for you is that your resilience and faith will help you to manage your crisis wisely. And, as you recover, you will have a greater realization of your inner strength.
Remember that “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
(New King James Version International Version, 2 Timothy 1:7) With God’s grace, we will push through whatever comes our direction.
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