Ponderings from Flo

As I take the last bite of a pint of Blue Bell ice cream (which by the way was the best ice cream that ever landed in my mouth - see picture below for the flavor), so many thoughts about the past week flood my mind.  The first was rather insignificant -- I realized that I have never eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one sitting before tonight!  Ice cream is always my go-to comfort food, but I didn't realize how badly my body expected that physical treat during times of distress!  You never know how much you want something until you can't have it -- and ice cream clearly doesn't last when left in a freezer for five days without power.

Perhaps my other ponderings will be more reflective and less self-serving . . .

~ The goodness and benevolence of people’s hearts is always a refreshing breath of fresh air during natural disasters. In our typical world of self-centeredness, times like these remind me that there is good in everyone.  From neighbors sharing coveted rations of food to faithful friends who offer up their hot showers and washing machines -- people have good hearts.

~ While I am a firm supporter of a myriad of Christian denominations, I am proud to be a Southern Baptist. When I looked out my parents' back window to the church across the way and saw those beautiful yellow shirts (NC Baptists on Mission), I was reminded that they were fixing to be Jesus to our hurricane-ravaged city. I personally think Jesus would have totally rocked a yellow shirt!  Thank you NC Baptists for loving on those of us in eastern NC who never expected to be the recipients of such kindness and generosity.

~ My husband is a hard worker and always concerned about the welfare of his family and for the church family he shepherds. While he would never want to be first in line for anything at church, his people felt led to bless him first as they started sending work crews out to help with hurricane clean-up.  What a blessing that was!  I am reminded once again that the local body of believers is a major source of comfort and support for our family.  I cannot imagine doing life without them.

~ There's no bad time for family time!  Hurricanes are no fun, but if it puts you under the same roof with 8 of your favorite people, bring it on!  I am reminded that family time needs to be prioritized so that rummy games and late night living room chats can happen without the need for a disastrous weather event.

~ As the winds blew and the waters began to rise, my thoughts frequently drifted to those people that I spend the majority of my time with (outside of my family).  My school family -- from staff to students -- holds a very special place in my heart.  While I was concerned with how our physical school buildings were holding up as Flo did her thing, my ultimate concern was for the safety and welfare of the greater LCA family.  I was reminded that common bonds are essential in this life.  I am so thankful that LCA is the common bond that ties me to my these people!

~ Lastly and most importantly, this hurricane was a great reminder of the power of God.  He is the mighty Maker, Creator, and Path-determiner of every weather event that ever has and ever will take place.  It didn't shock Him that a category 2 hurricane was what we received, not a category 4.  It was no surprise to Him that she came in as slow as a turtle and refused to leave like bad house guests.  It reminded me that I should stand in awe of His power and might during the seemingly calm and ordinary seasons, not just the turbulent ones.

I could go on and on . . . about the long-time, far-away friends who have sent countless messages, sent emails, or made phone calls to check on our welfare . . . about the neighbors who rally together to evacuate the community from the unpredicted, yet imposing flood waters . . . or about the sacrifice and heroism on the part of first responders and utility crews.  

You don't necessarily want to hear it, and quite frankly, I'm exhausted!  

Just hear my heart . . . 

We're overly blessed and God is way too good.