I stopped by the grocery store this morning to grab several gallons of water. Davin, Pastor Laura's "emergency management" husband, says we need a gallon of water/person/day of anticipated water shortage. I picked up 11 gallons. One never knows.
As we prepare for what The Weather Channel calls "a monster storm," we pray for those in harm's way and give thanks for those who are already working overtime in preparation for what could -- or could not -- be a catastrophic event.
I spoke with our city manager, Lane Bailey, at the Y on Monday evening. I was amazed -- and encouraged -- by the coordinated effort that goes into something like this. City and county maintenance and EMS employees already had been working hard cleaning storm drains and gutters, sharpening chain saws, securing evacuation routes and shelters ... just in case. All behind the scenes. No fanfare or glory. Just in case.
We'll pray that this storm will weaken and lives and property will be saved. But sometimes storms o'ertake us and chaos rules the day. In either case, good or bad, may we lean into each other and the grace of God for protection, guidance, hope, and encouragement.
"Grant us, O Lord, a consciousness of your presence and a strong confidence in you. In our anxiety, surround with your care. In our weariness, protect us by your loving might; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."
