How Harvey Helped Me

 

We kept thinking,  “if only the rain would stop . . . now.”

“Ok . . . now? “

(And after day #4) . . . “nnnnooowww? “

Family and friends would check in and we’d tell them, “So far, so good. But that rain, though . . . It just won’t stop!”

Then it did.

After so many days of dark clouds, heavy winds, and relentless, constant, flood-inducing rainfall, the sun shined.

I took a picture of it.

Yes, a picture of the sun shining. Mind you, the sun rises and sets every day and I have no recollection of ever taking a picture of it. Something was different this time. Circumstances were different. The living conditions for so many loved ones were different. In between my own trips to the closet for shelter from tornadoes projected to hit blocks from my house, others were losing their homes, cars, wages, sleep, treasured possessions, and tragically even their lives.

When I walked outside of my door for the first time in days and looked up and saw those rays of light, I realized something:
Hurricane Harvey had helped me appreciate the sun.

I knew now, for some, the flooding waters were about to recede. The dark corners of homes were about to once again be lit up. The barricades shutting off routes to loved ones and work places were about to be removed. The roads that were once only passable by boat would soon be trekked by foot.

How awesome is that!

This appreciation for the s-u-n also translated, for me, into an appreciation for the S-o-n.

All the events that happened in our country’s latest natural disaster, helped to remind me of what God is able and willing to do in all of life’s spiritual, emotional, financial, or relational disasters. Yes, the rain will fall. Relentlessly. The dark clouds will hang. Low. The strong winds will blow. Hard.

Then, one day, they won’t.

Psalm 30:5 says “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

When writing on the topic of tragedy and loss, Jerry Sittser, in his book A Grace Disguised, says, “Life will never be the same but it will be good again.”

That’s what the sun reminded me of that day. It reminded me that no matter how bad it is, “good” is on the way. We can be certain of this because of what the S-o-n accomplished at Calvary. He wants to remind us each and every day that victory over sin and the grave and everything in between is ours! As we read, apply and are transformed by the promises and instructions of scripture, we will get daily reminders of his constant presence in our situations. He’s saying “I am here. Those flood waters raging through your marriage have no choice but to recede. Because I am alive, those dark corners in your home are about to once again be lit up. I, the Son of the one true God, am present and those barricades shutting off your route to victory are about to be removed. The roads that were once only passable by other people who seemed smarter, lighter, richer, thinner, or healthier will soon be danced upon by you!”

Through this experience —

As I gained insight into the science used to predict, prevent, and deal with natural disasters . . .

As I watched how the world can organize to work together . . .

As I saw people help each other, take heroic action, and donate medicine, food, and clothing to survivors . .  .

As I looked up at the sky with the s-u-n shining bright . . .

I realized my love towards, faith in, and appreciation for the S-O-N was much deeper than before.

That, right there, is how Harvey helped me!

 

P.S. Take a moment to share in the comments section how the events of this hurricane “helped” you or someone you know in some way.