Floods of damage, floods of grace

Floods.

In a practical sense, this flooding that much of the East Coast is experiencing is quite unusual for December, and it is both destructive and deadly. How awful for folks who are already struggling with other things, how terrifying for those who are living unhoused and in encampments, who are barely tolerated or even despised in their communities. It's a sad indictment on our society when people cannot afford to have a secure shelter, and here in my own town, there are a few such encampments. I'm not sure if this crisis makes things worse for them, though it clearly is devastating, or if it will force people to see what has happened to "the least of our brothers." The saddest part, at least on the local governmental level, is that they have asked for help from the select board. They would like to see some of the empty commercial properties converted to boarding houses, and so on. And yet, the select board is still fixated on the mural. Yeah, so much for Christian good will, at least on their part.

On the other hand, the veritable flood of prayers and good thoughts that have come through for my son-in-law, Tim, has been amazing. His surgery was long and grueling, but I'm told that it was successful, and he is responding well. Amen. Thank you for your prayers, the financial and other practical donations, and your continued concern. And an ultimate and humble thanks to the family of the donor: that is a gift that will be impossible to repay. Flooding heaven with prayers from people all over the world --yes, a global effort-- has been a substantial force for grace and of love. Keep praying. Healing will take time, and there are things ahead that we don't even know, I'm sure.

Today, I will be home with Holly. We don't have school due to the fact that Lisbon is surrounded by water. There is a lot of damage, too much water with nowhere to go, and people who are trying so hard to get by, one way or another. I'm grateful for the safety, for the time to spend an unhurried day with Holly, and for the roof over my head. 

Amen.

C