Sandy's Lesson

In the wake of the storm "Sandy," troubles are mounting. The devastation of flooded homes, fallen trees, even death are the horrible results of a disaster that comes with a violent storm. And in the following days, even greater troubles seem to arise. Shortages of gasoline, food, and potable water reach out and touch hundreds of thousands more. Then, the inconvenience of getting back to work with power outages, flooded subways and cold weather touch millions more in New Jersey and the New York City metro area.

It's in times like these where we reach out. Prayer is a powerful way to help. For many of us who are able, making a monetary gift is also a way to help. I know of one agency, Presbyterian Mission Agency that has created a separate account for Disaster Relief--2012 Superstorm (Sandy). The link is http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/.

Even as we remember Sandy's victims and reach out to help, we must also remember our own blessings and the hope comes from the lessons of history. Disasters are not new. We learn. We will be better prepared for the next disaster and we'll learn from that. Just think of what would have happened if we had not learned to warn and evacuate people. The death toll would have been greater. And there are many other examples of lessons learned.

 

 But, perhaps the greatest lesson is what we realize about our own, personal state of affairs. And that is that we're doing pretty good. The great Athenian philosopher, Socrates was to have said, "If all misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart." And for those wishing to find a scriptural passage, I recommend Romans 8: 28. We know that God works all things for good.

 

Keep Calm and Carry On