I am thankful for November 30. The date marks the end of the Atlantic Hurricane season. In setting up a new life and our home in coastal Carolina, we accomplished a lot. But hurricane preparation, or even having a “just in case” plan, missed our list of top priorities. We took a risk, and I am thankful that hurricane season is soon over. The year 2021 was an active hurricane season for the Atlantic, using all 21 storm names. None of them swiped our area although a deadly tornado struck south of here in early spring.
Talking to neighbors and new acquaintances, I observe a serious respect for storms. Many folks have stories of damage and devasting loss due to past hurricanes. In 2018, Hurricane Florence stalled over the area causing unprecedented flooding. We were looking at property and houses then and we witnessed the piles of debris and blue roof tarps everywhere! Among some lady friends recently there was disturbing recall of past hurricanes Florence, Floyd, and Fran. I guess I better beware of storms that begin with the letter F!
Storms pack power: the ocean has fury. This is God’s hand. He created the earth, nature, and weather. Its beauty awes us; its potency demands respect. Jeremiah 31:35 says, “This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and the stars to shine by night, who stirs the sea so that its waves roar – the LORD Almighty is His name.” Jesus’ followers also experienced amazement when He “calmed” a raging Sea of Galilee storm, saying, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” (Matthew 8:27)
Recently, I came across this poem that considers the ocean and our worshipful response, https://decisionmagazine.com/ruth-bell-graham-relentless-yearning/. It was written by Ruth Bell Graham, wife of the Rev. Billy Graham. Their home was in the mountains of North Carolina.
Now, let’s hope my husband and I work on a generator and flood prevention before June 1, 2022!
