Yesterday there was a major wind storm where I live. Gusts were blowing away anything that wasn't nailed down. Neighbors of ours lost BIG trees on both sides of us - one went through the roof of their house, the other fell the other way, taking out a big section of picket fence, pulling up a huge pile of dirt with the roots. Then down the side street the other direction of us a tin roof came off - hit the power lines and made a huge FLASH-BOOM about 6 AM that woke up my husband. It then bounced off our garage and landed in our driveway. Many people have been without power. On the highway semi trucks have tipped over. All around us is havoc. But amazingly we are unscathed. All my lovely trees are still standing bravely. I feel like guardian angels have watched over us through the whole thing.
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Ordinarily I enjoy stormy weather. It feels especially cozy to be safe, warm, and well fed in my own secure house while wind and rain howl outside. But not this time. I couldn’t help but be unsettled with worry about those I love who might be in harm’s way in the face of this monster. All day long I was deeply concerned about others who were not coming through the winds as well as I.
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As soon as things settled down we started the ward calling tree. We found out who had damage and who needed help. Early this morning will begin a work party of hammers and chain saws. We'll help neighbors and friends clear away broken trees and patch back missing shingles. We'll get the mess cleaned up and reassure everyone that they have allies who care.
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That reminds me that there are others storms blowing that are eternally more dangerous. I cannot sit safe and snug in the comfort of my testimony, feeling obliviously secure in my Savior's love. I need to be mindful of my brothers and sisters who are out in the storm of the world, being wounded by the fiery darts of the adversary. I need to reach out to see who needs a hand to clear away damage of another kind.
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We're all in this together. Today as my husband serves in the chain saw brigade I think I will be talking with folks whose roofs are undamaged, but whose confidence is faltering. I have some sisters on my visiting teaching route who have some big issues that need more than shingles, hammers and nails. I know a few others who I am not assigned to, but who I care about just as much. I'm not quite sure how best to help them. But I aim to do what I can. If nothing else, I can reassure them that they too have allies who care.
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And the storm is raging still. In this case I cannot wait for the winds to subside before setting out to assess the damage and offer aid to others. These last days bring us a storm that is relentless. It will not let up. The temptation is there to hunker down in the comfort and safety of my own world, wrapped up in abundance of every kind: I have a strong marriage, a healthy body and mind, sufficient financial means, a loving family - truly the windows of heaven have poured out many rich blessings for me. However, I don't have to look far to see others who are struggling mightily just to get by.
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The storm damage I see all around me comes in many forms: an ailing parent, a barren womb, a lost job, a wayward child, mental illness, broken covenants, addiction, the list goes on and on.
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I can no more fix the underlying problems than I could stop the wind. But I can stand strong is support of those who are hurting. I can offer my hand and let them know I care.
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God knew what He was doing when he said "it is not good for man to be alone." He created us to be helpers to one another. He hard wired us to matter to our neighbors and family and friends. The adversary would have us get so wrapped up in our own busy lives that we cease to SEE, let alone care, about those beyond our immediate circle. That self absorption is one of the devil's favorite tools. Satan knows I am not going to go out and do things that are deliberately mean or callous. But if he can just keep me BUSY enough wrapped up in doing good, holy, righteous things that I don't take time to love my neighbor, then in a way he still wins. So sometimes I have to say no to some requests for one more activity, no matter how positive it may be. Sometimes I have to walk away from attractive things that by every measuring stick are righteous and good. Because I need some time and energy to simply sit and pray and ponder, to be open to the spirit and willing to ask.... who needs help today?