#10/Thoughts From The Back Deck...

#10, Thoughts From The Back Deck...

Ephesians 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God

It's darker than usual this morning on my back deck. The wind whistles through the screens. The pool has a higher water line than it did last night but it's not overflowing. Lakeland dodged another hurricane.  Others didn't! 

One of the many things I have learned in Florida is when a hurricane comes through, there are no strangers or aliens (outsiders) in my experience. People step up unless they are fighting for cases of water that they will just end up giving away later because they over-bought! We learned quickly that if there is a water problem, we have bigger problems and probably need to evacuate!

Still, overall, attitudes are different in times like this. People open up to each other. Help prep. Help clean up. Even open up their homes to others. This hurricane we only have one person staying with us tonight. We invited others who live in mobile housing but as yesterday afternoon turned into evening, the storm seemed like it was going to pass us by except for a little rain and gusts of wind. So our other possible guests stayed where they were comfortable. 

God's household is always open. He is always a safe harbor. Wind or rain. Sunlight or darkest night. We are all welcome. Safety from the storms. Shade from the heat. Water and food for the thirsty and hungry. We are all known by Him. No strangers, only family that He welcomes with open arms. I don't know how people survive without God's household. I tried to do so for too many years. What a waste of energy it was trying to handle every situation myself and go it alone. Lesson learned. Never again I pray will I allow my own sin to drive me to try to go it alone!

Pray for those who have been and will be affected by the weather over the next few days. Be the good neighbor!

 

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