Tropical Storm Fay, Jesus & Me

Morning All:

Greetings from Nicole. After writing the last piece on temptation, I feel inclined to send a brief reflection on Tropical Storm Fay---in particular on the way that the Lord can use a storm to change your plans.

This week began for me with typical Florida sunshine and faculty orientation workshops. My biggest concerns focused on copying syllabi, finalizing assignments and tidying my office for the coming semester.

But, since Tuesday evening, the weather has taken such a turn. Local schools and offices closed, daily press conference with the Mayor, governor and local newscasts urging us to stay safe, calm, smart, indoors and off the streets if at all possible. Even my own employer has canceled meetings over the last few days, closed campus tomorrow and urged us to stay home due to high winds, heavy rains, bridge closings, standing water, flooding, downed trees and powerlines across the city.

And in addition to all this, my satellite was disconnected last week during some repairs being done on my building. So, this left me with 3-4 grainy, staticky TV channels for storm watch updates and fuzzy, sporadic Olympic coverage.

Earlier today, I was so nervous about flickering lights and the threat of a power outage that I begged the Lord to just give me power long enough to let me finish cooking my chicken and greens for dinner---and the Lord did honor that request. But I had to laugh as I felt like one of the Israelites in Exodus who were trying to cook that unleavened bread before having to leave Egypt hastily.

But Fay has provided some key lessons for me:

---Storms will indeed increase your prayer life. I have gone from worrying about the beginning of the school year to praying that my lights stay on...and that parents and students travel safely. I have also been praying for folks all over town who may be suffering, alone, ill, in need, traveling on wet roads or can't get out.

---As the tree branches constantly scratch against my windows, I have marveled at how the trees just bend and sway but haven't been broken---despite the powerful wind and rain pounding against them hour after hour. So, I have moved from fear of the storm...to acceptance early this afternoon just letting those trees remind me that I too can handle this storm because the Lord is with me too in the midst of the hectic winds and pounding rain and uncertainty.

---As I took a moment just to watch the storm from my window, I was also reminded of the Lord's awesome power and ultimate control, my COMPLETE lack of control in this situation, and how we all are trusting the Lord hour to hour for instruction and guidance.

---It is also a moment to reflect, get somewhere and get quiet, be still, relax and use the time for good. I have also realized how much you take for granted---when a lil' food, a lil' light, a lil' grainy news coverage and calls from love ones can make you feel real, REAL, grateful for the simple things in life.

This storm has limited my daily outings, my mobility, my entertainment, my work life and forced me to slow things all the way down--- but has also shown me how the the Lord is still present and keeping me safe in the midst of this storm.

Be well, everyone!

--Nicole