I live in Colorado, quite a distance from Florida. Watching the news today, I pray for the people affected by Hurricane Irma. As I worry over the tedious details of my day, many worry over the lives and homes of their loved ones. It certainly puts things in perspective.
What can I do? Well this hurricane has hit home, as my brother-in-law, his wife, and son were preparing to move across the country to Tampa, Florida for a new job, on Wednesday. We have offered our home as a place to stay until their plans can be adjusted. The moving truck has already taken their furniture and possessions, and they are in their empty rental, wondering what the week will bring. They hope to find out tomorrow if there is damage to their new home, and if they will be able to travel in the near future. So I am washing sheets to the guest bedroom, stocking the refrigerator, and hoping that we have at least alleviated their stress of deciding where to stay for the coming days.
What can I do? We all feel helpless and want to personally touch someones life affected by this tragedy. It’s tempting to run to the pantry and closet and find things to donate. But during a crisis of this scale, there just isn’t physically a way to distribute the massive amount of donations to the individuals that need them. Just this week, I read an article that described huge donations of clothing, including such things as pallets of winter coats and stuffed animals, that were given to the people of Haiti. Only to be left to rot, because meeting the immediate needs of shelter, safety, food, and water must be addressed first. So although it feels impersonal, I know the best thing to do is make a donation to a charity such as the Red Cross, because they are better informed to make the decisions of what is needed immediately.
What can I do? I can feel sad, and I can pray, but it does no good for me to simply become depressed with the situation. I need to count my blessings, appreciate the fact that my family and home are safe, and continue to watch for ways to contribute to the people I come in contact daily. Take nothing for granted! Celebrate your life!