When we moved to Kansas in 2004 it was in the middle of August and I was expecting it to be very hot. I was surprised to find out that it was very pleasant indeed, and that it had been a very moderate summer that year. The beautiful weather continued on throughout the winter and wow, were we glad we moved to this state where the weather is much different than Illinois, or Ohio.
Since then, however, we have discovered that Kansas weather can still be very hot, or very cold, or stormy, or like 2004, very moderate and enjoyable. We have learned to appreciate the very beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the nice mornings in the spring and summer when we can sit on our patio with a cup of coffee and watch the day begin outside.
But we have also learned that Kansas can unleash some horrific storms. We had heard of the tornado that devastated Hesston a number of years ago (10?) and had seen the video of that huge storm. But the storms which invaded our state this past spring were almost unbelievable in size and destructiveness. Through the news stations, we saw the destruction of Greensburg and heard of the many places affected by approximately 50 tornados in just a couple of days.
Now this week we have seen how devastating winter storms can be. Within the week we have had an ice storm and snow storm, both of which made life miserable for many people in Kansas, and elsewhere. Here in Hesston we weren't inconvenienced all that much, but are still hearing that thousands of households in this state are still without electricity. Oh, our lights went out twice one evening, causing us to get the old oil lamp out, and light several candles, and of course make sure the flashlight is handy. But we were very fortunate not to have anything worse to contend with.
Some have had "storms" in their lives recently also, i.e., death of a wife in a car accident, house devastated by fire, dealing with newly discovered cancer, needing to have surgery just a week before Christmas, losing their job in recent weeks, etc. For these people these experiences are indeed "storms," and not easy ones to endure.
I feel blessed right now that none of these storms have affected me in adverse ways. But my heart goes out to those who have been affected. I can't do a whole lot to help most of these folks, but I can pray. Prayer always seems to help both those who are affected and those who are not to face the issues life brings. God is always with us, and He will help us on our journey, whether it be rough or smooth, stormy or fair.
Pilgrim on the way
1 comment:
I think the tornado was in 1990 or 1991...time flies, doesn't it.
My uncle Mervin was able to watch it from where he now lives. What destruction!
Storms come in all shapes and sizes. We like to think we're self-reliant. However, to have a habit of dependence on God, even during the good times, makes it much easier to weather the storms of life when times are not so good.
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