It sort of sneaked up on the system, I mean the tropical storm Edouard. The paper yesterday called it a “surprise”, and it had people scrambling to prepare for it. And the State does prepare, extra gasoline on hand for cars and generators, stores stock extra supplies of water, canned food etc. Lumberyards do a large business with plywood and stuff to cover windows and large areas. And the systems are in place for warnings, predictions, what to look for or avoid. As far as man can, man is well prepared. That is prudent.
Right now, by the way, we are enjoying some benefit from that approaching storm, rain, slow and steady. It will get a bit stormier as it nears the coast, but we are far enough away from heavy damage, I pray.
It’s a nice thing to be ready, isn’t it? It’s vacation time and many take trips or visit the in-laws or take the family for a lake side picnic lunch and a day of relaxing. And the fun is spoiled when some important item is missing. You planned to grill some hot dogs and you forgot the charcoal. You left for another state and that night discovered you had forgotten the eye drops you use daily. Oh, we’ve all done something like that. And we make up our minds next time to make a list and check it first. Now, where are those sun glasses, I thought I put them right in here.
After the fact, such things just make for a funny story don’t they? We tell them again with a smile. Then we read Psalm 90. It speaks about the years, and how God sees things, and reminds us to “number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” V,12. or “that we may learn to be wise.” The Message, “Teach us to live well, Teach us to live wisely and well”. Be prepared.
How? Jesus said it clearly. “Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16,16. And when St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians he called this a gift, ”For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2,8 And adds to this, “Not by works, so that no one can boast”.
Well the rain is still falling and the trees are enjoying the refreshment, dust washed off, drinking in the refreshing rain, being trees.
In it all, please do keep in mind that God is ever there to forgive, heal, and finally to take to Himself. For He said “I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there you may be also”. John 14.
GPD 8/5/08
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