My dear Elaina called a little while ago wondering what was going on and what we were going to do. I guess that is my cue and I should start doing something. Step one of the decision making process we talked about a few days ago! Tracy has gone to Home Depot and purchased plywood and DJ is coming over to help Micah put it up. Man it’s great being able to be the “old feeble guy” and have some strapping young men to help. I’ve been wondering if there were any advantages to being a septuagenarian and now I have one!
Gabrielle has pitched in like a champ and helped Tracy bring in the lawn furniture, plants and do a lot of shuffling. Wow, they really know what they’re doing! I have spent a good part of the morning taking calls on cancelled appointments and trying to do a lot of rescheduling. I have to believe the schedule is going to be hectic next week – but that is the future. Now is the time for action!
I personally believe the best thing to do is finish preparing the house and seek “higher ground – out of town.” This time off can be used productively. There is nothing we can do to change the circumstances the storm brings with it, but pray. We have to leave this in God’s hands. It is not wrong to pray for the protection of what He has provided and blessed us with. So, we will do so. I believe God also gave us this break in the schedule to do some things that we ordinarily may not be able to do. One of those things is appreciating each other. Amidst the frustration, I am sure that will come to pass.
Well, I am finding that leaving is not the answer that everyone wanted to hear and I understand that. The challenge is that when the time comes that decision will probably be at odds with others – some will understand and others won’t. They will not understand my wanting to remain connected to my livelihood (which supports us) and they will not understand me wanting to leave. My concern is their perspective of why I feel it important to do so. Hopefully, we will all communicate openly and fairly without frustration, but you and I both know that circumstances will have their impact.
Job 40, especially verses 6 – 7 talks about finding yourself in the eye of the storm and how incapable we are of answering God’s questions during that type of event. There will be unanswered questions and feelings of frustrations that we are simply not capable of dealing with in a rational manner. During that time, we will become frustrated with each other and have “our own opinion” of why we are right and others are “not so right.” The truth is that none of us will be all right or all wrong. The key will be displaying our emotions in a way to honor each other and be respectful of those decisions.
Well, Rebekah got here with food, graciously supplied by Elaina so we are going to honker down and begin dealing with the here and now. We have heard that the bridges may close early tomorrow, but I really doubt that as the Hurricane has still not hit South Florida yet. So, tomorrow is the big day. Family, know that I love you and we are in this together – yes, even those in Panama, Arizona, England and Italy. Yes, we are in this together. We will survive, with God and each other’s help and prayers.
A time of testing is good for us. It will open up the weak points and make us better. Keep your eyes open family. Don’t just observe each other’s weaknesses, but your own. Much can be learned and much can help us grow and develop. Just ask for God to show us during the process, knowing that the aftermath will be the greater learning experience. Sad, but true so we must “get over it!”
Love Dad