by David Scott Robertson
As I write these words,
Hurricane Lily (October, 2002) has made landfall.
Even deep into America’s southern heartland, Tennessee, the effects of this tropical storm are apparent.
Unpredictable gusts of wind combined with sheets of rain surround me.
Thankfully, I’m not in a coastal city having to face the full thrust of the hazardous hurricane.
For us in Tennessee, the hurricane is more of a messy nuisance
Than a threat to our lives and property.
But still, here I am sitting in my car writing this and the sense I get about the storm is
I’m as cozy as can be.
I’m in my car with the windows cracked,
Listening to the wind dance with the trees,
Watching the walls of water fall from angry clouds over my head
And I can’t help but feel safe, secure, content, and, in fact, cozy.
I am dry, safe,
I have a banana, a cup of yogurt,
My Bible and a cell phone,
Plus the ability to turn the key in my ignition and drive to safety if things get out of control.
The lessons of the storm are subtle but discernable:
1. A car is a castle in the mist of a downpour.
2. The birds, squirrels, and critters around me don’t seem to care what The Weather Channel said today about staying indoors.
3. What a profound blessing to know that I can press 911 on my cell phone 24 hours a day and the cavalry will come to my rescue.
4. Though winds howl and dangers lurk all around, the safest place in the world is in the center of God’s will.
5. Wherever you are, whatever storm rages around you today, please be confident that the Lord can work it out so that you can be cozy as can be in the midst of it all.
DSR
10/7/02