No one is mowing their lawns because rain is in the forecast. The TV is off, as is the radio.
The cat is sleeping on the back of the couch. No one is walking dogs or riding bikes down our short street.
It's kind of spooky! (But in a nice way.) I was just taking a minute to think about the people in Texas again. It looks so bad on TV, what must it be like up close and personal? I can't imagine losing everything in a few minutes like that. Those people who lost so much probably never imagined it either.
We are so lucky in this country to have so much, and then to lose it all is so hard. I also was thinking about those in the tsunami a few years back who didn't have that much and lost it all. It probably wasn't any easier for them.
And yet they're just things. If we have family and they are safe, we can get more things. God has His eye on those in Texas and elsewhere who are hurting. I trust Him that He has a plan. Maybe it's to make us reach out to help our fellow humans, to exercise our generosity muscles and our loving kindness genes.
Be generous and kind but if you're going to donate and help make sure you give to legitimate agencies with good reputations, because the same human impulses to goodness are out there in the less than good, who could take this opportunity to take advantage.
The Bible teaches us to give generously to all who ask in the name of goodness. I believe that those who use situations like Harvey to take advantage have a special circle in hell just waiting for them.
So my friends in the storm's path, my prayers are with you this quiet, contemplative morning.
