As the Northeast braces and prepares for the impending storm, Hurricane Irene, residents are frantically trying to prepare. The lines for flashlights, batteries and food supplies exceed even a normal day in New York City shopping.
Richard and I did our due diligence as well. My father in law called with a lengthy list of things to do to prepare, that we pretty much followed to the tee. After we completed the list, we spent the day watching movies, talking, cooking, laughing, doing laundry and checking in with friends and family.In the midst, we had one particular conversation about our interpretations of what it would look like if people gave the same attention to their preparedness for Jesus's return. In my interpretation, it would look like people doing all they could to serve their neighbor, love overflowing, people walking in their callings, forgiveness given freely and an overwhelming compassion for others struggle.
I don't think it would look like the panic we've seen these past few days, because it would be a daily walk. Not a last minute scramble.My foundation and the values we are building "our house" on came to mind. In preparation, you can breathe easier knowing that you have a sure and solid foundation, if you are using the right tools and materials. A mentor once told me that when I got married, I wouldn't have the same time to spend in prayer and personal meditation as I did as a single woman. Initially, I thought, really? Why not? Won't my husband understand? I came to realize that it wasn't about him understanding. It was more about my priorities as a wife and having less time to myself. My habits, including prayer and mediation as a single person didn't automatically translate as a married woman.
When I first noticed the shift, I was evermore thankful that as single woman, I was wholly dedicated to God's presence, prayer and praise. Evermore thankful that Richard and I were abstinent before marriage and put God's business first. Now as we grow and become one, we re-prioritize our spiritual development as a unit together and when the storms come we have our strong foundation to stand on.
Even as we wait for Hurricane Irene, we don't have to panic, or run scared. We're prepared as best as we can in the natural and we pray God will protect us beyond all that we can do.
Matthew 7:24-27
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”Be Blessed and Be Safe!
Kris
