Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bloom Where You're Planted

         Right now hundreds of thousands of people on the east coast are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.  Some without flood insurance have lost everything of temporal value.  A few have suffered the ultimate loss, the death of a loved one.  A great number are still without power.  I've been calling my sister's house for 3 days--no answer.  No power.  No phone.  Although I haven't made contact with her, other friends with cell phones tell me there was little damage in her location.  My niece's husband contacted me by Facebook this morning (ain't technology wonderful?!) and assured me they are all fine.  I'm so relieved, but looking forward to hearing my sister's voice before too long.  The power will be back on by next week Rob tells me.  Maybe as soon as Saturday, if they're lucky.

Flooding in Vermont  (Photo by Jeanne Buck)
          When I think of how significantly life has changed for some people over the last few days, my heart aches for their losses. My prayers are for a sense of peace to bless them right now, in their hurt.  Hurricanes can be devastating and recovery can take a very long time.  In fact, the aftermath of the hurricane causes me to consider how many other kinds of needs there are, all around us.  When the sun is shining and the days are calm, it's easy to believe that life will always be good.  However, nature can remind us very quickly of the real nitty gritty problems that exist.  Those problems need to be addressed, and we can help address them.  Look around.  You and I may not be able to get on a plane and fly to the east coast to help with clean up and relief efforts after this storm, but there are needs in our own communities that we can help to meet. In Friday's post I will be addressing one of those specific concerns.      
         In the meantime, I will be pondering my blessings.  I have so many!  I will also be looking around to see who needs a visit, a casserole, a smile, a prayer, or some other help, and I will try to fill that void.  Although I would love to be in Connecticut with family, there are also those, in my own neighborhood, who could benefit from an expression of concern, a little love. 
         "Bloom where you're planted," I've been told.  Hurricanes or no hurricanes, this is a very good season for blooming!

TODAY'S AWESOME BLESSING:   I'VE HEARD FROM MANY EAST COAST FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO ARE FINE AND MOSTLY UNAFFECTED BY THE HURRICANE. 

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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I called my neighbor in Connecticut to see if they made it through the storm alright. Yes, they are fine but the real test was this past winter when Wayne was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and Claire broke her ankle. This is a reminder that we cannot procrastinate letting those important to us know the depth of love we have for them. I could have been a blessing to them earlier than now...now, when the problem was an obvious one. People are suffering every single day, even the sunny ones. I wish I didn't suppress that compassionate thought this last winter when I had the urge to call them. I am so grateful for them.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    You're right, we all need to let others know of our love and concern--even those closest to us. They aren't, somehow, going to automatically be aware of our love. I've heard that we should ever surpress the urge to do a generous deed. Good advice, I think. I hope Wayne is doing better!

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