Hello Friends!
It’s Tuesday! And believe it or not, that’s a difficult thing for me to remember…..
Without the daily reminders that a normal routine offer, it’s challenging to know the day of the week. In fact, we all seemed to lose track a few days ago as we prepared for Hurricane Irma.
Days and days of preparation for the hurricane ensued. Work places closed down. Stores closed. Familys gathered together. And we waited.
Here in South Florida we prepared for the worst as the eye was predicted to pass over us. A Cat 5. The worst. Then we were spared with the storm turning. Praise the Lord….But wait…
We don’t forget for a minute that our being spared means other suffer.
It’s a difficult place to be. Grateful, yet mourning other’s losses.
And so, these are the days of the aftermath, full of:
- Downed trees and fences
- Debris filled streets
- No traffic lights – (no electricity, hence, no lights) and the somewhat polite chaos on the roads as people “try” to observe the 4-way stops at intersections
- Generators buzzing through the neighborhood
- Neighbors in the street trying to get reception of their cellphones to let loved ones know they’re okay and check on those in the path
- Impromptu block parties – both for cleanup and cooking whatever we can find in the freezer
- Sweating through the night!
- Looking forward to the simple things – like electricity and a warm shower….Soon… (hopefully!)
- Swimming 15 times a day to cool off!
And these are the days we question…
- Why do we live here?
- What is God teaching me?
- Why do we do what we do for a living? Is it worthwhile?
- Are we helping others as much as they’re helping us?
- Is there something more I should be doing?
- How’s my attitude when I’m uncomfortable? Am I cranky? Do I offer grace knowing others are not at their best?
- Have I reached out to all those I love?
- Am I thinking of myself more than others?
It’s always good to take time to run through an self-examination. And these times where life has stopped for “emergencies” is not so bad.
Well, friends, I see I’m late in posting this week. My apologies as I lost track of time and realized it was Tuesday about 30 minutes ago! As I am sitting in a Winn Dixie parking lot to get internet, I’m guess by the looks of it, I’m not the only one here for the signal!! Crazy times!!!
Have a blessed week and remember to count your blessings!! Please pray for those who are truly suffering and seek to reach anyone in kindness. It spreads!!
If you’d like to link-up your amazing articles, I’d love to read them when I get to an internet zone!!! Thanks for continuing to stop by TrekkingThru! I appreciate every one of you!!!
Michele Morin says
Char, it’s so amazing that you’re even able to do the linkup today. This post feels like a war-correspondent coming to us live from the heat of the battle. Thanks for asking all those questions. I’m safe and sound and about as far from the hurricane as I can be and still be on the east coast, and yet I forget how blessed I am.
Thanks for your upbeat and contemplative spirit.
Char says
Oh boy! What a crazy experience to live without electricity. I am so thankful to be back and appreciate you popping in to linkup and say hello Michele!!
Cheryl says
I have been praying for the residents of Florida; I am grateful that you and your family are safe. ❤️
Char says
Thanks Cheryl! There are so many that can not even return to their homes. It’s tragic. We are blessed.
Donna Reidland says
Char, I’m so glad to hear that you and your family are well. I’m amazed you got your post out, but so glad you did. Your thoughts and questions are so important for all of us to know and understand.
Like Michele, I’m a long way from either hurricane, even though I live in Texas, but we all go through storms and we have a choice how we respond to them. When we ask the right questions and see God in the midst of it, we’ll grow.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wise words with us! I’m praying for you and your neighbors!
Char says
Thanks for the prayers Donna! We are all fine. Please continue to pray for those that are not so fortunate…..
Joanne Viola says
Char, having family and friends in Florida, it is with relief to hear of everyone’s safety. May we continue to remember everyone in prayer through these days of clean up. Blessings!
Char says
Hi Joanne! How did your brother and his family do?? We just received our electricity yesterday! It’s very strange – like returning from the twilight zone!!! I’m sorry to say that my Moringa tree has seen better days and has been used as a clothes line these past few days. It’s nice to see it’s still useful, but the seeds will be a while. I have given away many trees so I’ll check with friends to see if they have any seeds for your mission. I’ll be in touch!!
Lisa notes says
Praying for you and your neighbors, Char! And of course for all those who have suffered so much through these storms. Your post reminds me of how we felt in 2011 when tornadoes came through Alabama and we were without electricity for a week. It was the first time in my life that I was without it for so long, but it was an amazing time of dependence and simplicity and togetherness too. Praying your life’s pieces come back together soon!
Char says
Thanks Lisa! Where do you live in Alabama? I lived in Huntsville growing up and we had tornadoes. I much prefer the days of preparation that we have for hurricanes. Thanks for the prayers – many people need them…. We were saddened to see the devastation yesterday when we turned on the tv.
Sue Donaldson says
no apology necessary. we are happy you are safe tho sweaty and I love your neighborhood. take a week off if you like– fine by me. I almost forgot to link at all and we don’t have hurricanes. only earthquakes. bless you.
Char says
Hi Sue! Thanks for stopping by and linking up!! Earthquakes? Whoa…
Debbie Putman says
Char, thank you for managing a link-up, even in the midst of the storm. Your faith and trust are evident in this post and in reaching out to others. Praying God blesses you as You stand strong in Him.
Char says
Thanks for your encouragement Debbie! Have a blessed week!
Katie says
So glad you guys are ok and trusting the Lord will use this for His glory even as His people practice care and good neighboring. Thank you for posting but seriously… take as much time as you need!! !
Char says
Katie – God always teaches. I’m trying to listen!!! Thanks for stopping by!
Hannah @Sunshine and Spoons says
Just know that there are a lot of us up here in Minnesota who are praying for you all!
Char says
Thanks Hannah, We were spared. I join with you in praying for those that weren’t so fortunate…..
Marianna says
I’m so glad you’re safe! Praying for everyone who has been impacted. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Char says
Thanks Marianna, Me too!! It’s heartbreaking to see what people are experiencing with the impact of Irma and Harvey. Thanks for stopping in this week!
Maria Hass says
I’m thankful you are doing ok. My mom and sister stayed in Miami pretty close to the beach. They still have no power and my mom is on round 4 out of 6 of chemo! Still, we’re so thankful they didn’t suffer any harm and even though the discomfort of the heat can be dangerous for my mom, it wasn’t worse.
Char says
Hi Maria, I hope your mom has gotten power. Many people, including myself, received it yesterday. I know the heat with chemo is very serious. I’ll be praying for her as she walks through this difficult time. And your sister.