Seeing the Compassion of Others

Hurricane Sandy was a doozy! I live in Eastern PA and the wind gusts were up to 81 miles per hour and we got between 2 - 4 inches of rain. Although our lights flickered a bit during the high winds, we never lost power. We did lose our cable and phone for two days, but we made it through the storm virtually unscathed.

What really has moved me the most through the last week is how people are working together to get through this. There were homes and businesses without power for five days; food had spoiled; homes without hot water; schools were closed and there were long lines at convenience stores that sell coffee and gas.

Through phone calls, emails and social media, I've seen offers for people to come to homes to charge their phones and computers, get a warm shower and a place to sleep. I met some men from South Carolina that drove all the way up here with their trucks so they could help restore the power in our area... staying in tractor trailers outfitted with bunk beds.

In times like this I see God working in peoples lives. The love and compassion that people have for one another is truly touching. I know that for some people, they don't even realize that God is at work... they may be motivated by money or a sense of obligation, not realizing they are a tool for God's handiwork. Perhaps the person on the receiving end has lost hope or faith, but these little (and  sometimes big) gestures help to restore what is lost.  We don't need a devastating storm to bring the best out in people... all we have to do is look around and see what it is we can do for someone else. Perhaps it's returning a shopping cart from an elderly person, or pay for someone's coffee at a convenience store. When I see the compassion of others I know God is at work and I am hopeful.

Holy Week and Faith

As a Christian, I am looking forward to this Holy Week. I have plans to attend my church for services on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and I look forward to the hope of transformation in my life. With all the changes that have occurred over the past few months, Easter has a deeper meaning to me.

Losing my job is a life-changing event and I had two choices- I could be bitter, or I could use the time as an opportunity to grow further into my true identity.  I've really enjoyed these months as I explore my options, investigate different businesses, and allow myself to be guided by God. It's amazing how He uses people to communicate to us, whether it's a suggestion from a friend or stranger... or something we see or hear when we are out and about. If we listen closely enough we will know what it is that God wants us to know.

I also believe that our plans are not always readily visible for us, that we must have faith that things will work out the way they are supposed to.  My husband is a little fearful of the future and our ability to sustain a decent standard of living. I try to reassure him that we are okay, but he is concerned. I have to remind myself to be diligent in moving forward, but to have faith that things will be okay.

I continue to have faith in this journey and look forward to the hope of Easter.  That through my faith I will know God's will for me and that I will set aside the fear and move forward in the direction set before me.

Until next time,
Sue