Well it finally happened…
I’ve experienced my first hurricane. My wife and I moved to southeast Texas in 2009. I’ve lived through tornados growing up in Illinois. But I’ve never experienced a hurricane.
Until now! Yet this is all odd for me. The hurricane didn’t hit directly where we live. It first hit the Corpus Christi area. And yet we’re still feeling it!
It’s brought devastating rain to Houston Texas. We’re about 90 minutes from Houston. It’s brought a lot of rain our way. As I think about all of this, some things have stood out.
1. We don’t have much control.
My plan was sit at my dinner table and reflect upon my physical transformation from the last year this past Sunday. Nope, that didn’t happen.
2. We do have lots of people that care about us.
In times of uncertainty, it’s good to know that you have spiritual family to rely upon. I’m thankful that we do. We’ve needed them during this time.
3. Storms make you want to eat.
We started preparing for the storm last Thursday. Plenty of gas in the cars? Check! Groceries bought? Check! Plenty of water? Check! Some extra food cooked? Check! The only problem was we starting eating all of the food, lol! We may need a little more self-control! I’ve had to stay focused with my workouts too. No turning back now, not even in the midst of a storm!
4. What matters most is God, family, and your health.
Looking at the devastation in Houston is a reminder of how quickly we can lose stuff. What is it that really matters? Is it your stuff? You will be disappointed! Jesus spoke about where we should lay up our treasures, Matthew 6:19-24: In Heaven.
5. Gods power on display.
In one week we’ve seen and been reminded of the power of God. We looked up to the sky to see the eclipse and saw His power. Now we can look around and see His power. It’s humbling.
6. We should take warnings seriously.
“That will never happen to me.” I’ve thought that plenty of times. Have you? Many have! We should take warnings seriously. We need to know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, Matthew 16:3.
7. Storms wash away the racism problem.
Watching the news I saw something. Everyone was helping everyone. There wasn’t any discussion about racism. There were human beings helping other human beings. Storms have a way of bringing people together. It’s about life!
8. Have a plan.
I talk about having a plan when it comes to eating. Prepare and plan. We need to have plans in life.
Plans for our children…
Plans for our marriages…
Plans for healthy living…
Financial plans…
Plans for eternity!!!
It’s not enough to only think short term. We gotta look at the big picture.
9. Act like a kid during a crisis!
It seems like all the kids are having fun! They don’t seem worried. They are stress free. Me? My wife? Stressed!!!! Maybe I should be like my son more. Don’t worry, be happy!
10. Stay connected to God.
We’ve been connected to our phones. Texting, the weather app, the weather app, the weather app, oh did I mention the weather app? Facebook, the phone charger, and the weather app! It can be easy to forget to pray and read. More than ever that’s what’s we gotta do. Spend time with God! Pray every hour. Read His word. Someone posted Psalm 77:16-19 yesterday on Facebook. I love it!
Hurricane Harvey crashed my birthday weekend. But I’m happy to be alive. I’m thankful for my faith, family, fitness, and food! Be thankful!
Awesome Ben! This storm has had us up all night! Flood waters coming in our garage and such. Thank you for focusing on what is so much more important! As I was reading this, I could literally feel my stress level decreasing. Thank you for always giving an encouraging word!
You are welcome Stacy! Stay strong my friend. We will keep on going.