The tornado sirens were going off in Wichita. The Leverings, like many others in the area, watched as the tumultuous weather moved in. As it advanced, we moved to the basement for the coming squall. We kept the TV on, the phones charged, and flashlights & candles at the ready.
It wasn’t quite what we expected. For the most part, the storm weakened as it came over the city. Though the tempest did not bring a cyclone, it did bring a deluge of rain and hail. As the rain came down, the floods came up—quite literally at the Casa de Levering.
An outdoor drain plugged with hail and debris meant that the water had no place to go. It pooled outside the sliding glass door. And gradually made its way inside—soaking the carpet and anything else in its path. Consequently, we’re doing several things we did not plan on doing the week prior. Yet, in every wall cloud, silver linings abound. From rain comes flowers. And even during the strongest storms, there are blessings. Hindsight gives us the 20/20 vision to see them clearly:
- Though the water came in, we caught it early and were able to minimalize the damage.
- I had just bought a new wet/dry shop-vac. It was ready & waiting in the garage.
- Our neighbors came over with at least 20 towels to help sop up water and clean up the mess.
- Several of our small group were at the house within 30 minutes. They helped us move furniture, remove and haul off the water-logged carpet and pad, and set out the fans. What I figured would be an all-nighter was handled in under two hours.
- The restoration company had the basement dried-out in 2 days.
- While we had extra expenses that we had not planned on, thanks to the Financial Peace class, we did have an emergency fund. We call it the rainy-day fund. God has a sense of humor.
- Some members recommended where to purchase carpet, and have it installed at a reasonable price.
Counting blessings is vital. Consider what God’s word says to us:
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I hope you aren’t going through any storms. But the reality is that if you aren’t now, you will. When you do, take some time to count your blessings.
Doing so keeps your heart anchored, your mind clear, and your faith firm. Especially in the storms.