On the way to taking Cole to school, the sky was stunning, just absolutely stunning. The drive was peaceful, and then…it happened.
This past weekend, and this morning, you would think that our small town is having a massive festival or concert. The interstate, and three main roads, no…make that four, have been at a slow crawl or dead-stop the past several days. The Strawberry Festival doesn’t even cause this much traffic complications. What’s the problem? FEMA.
FEMA has set-up headquarters in Plant City for ALL of Hillsborough County assistance for the victims needing food services since the hurricane.
On social media and in conversations, you can definitely sense the frustration in people’s words.
Businesses are losing profits because people are not able to reach them. Employees are being late to work. What would normally take someone ten minutes to reach their destination, it is now taking over one hour.
This morning, I took my son to the high school and headed to our Publix grocery store around 7:30. Traffic was already being gridlocked. I heard that those needing assistance, have been in line since 3:30 this morning. Wow!!
So, I thought to myself…I have a choice to make. I can either get frustrated and judgmental and critical, OR do something. The latter was my preference.
I pondered to myself, “This could be an opportunity for churches or groups to pass out comforting notes of scripture, or mints, or water or something.” Then, I wasn’t sure of the legal ramifications to the whole concept.
My mind began to think about: how fortunate our town was through the hurricane, praying for those who were affected, grateful that our town to open up its roads to assist others, and so on.
Choosing to do something was the much better alternative for my psyche, and my blood pressure.
First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 1 Timothy 2:1
I chose to pray. Pray for the town, the people waiting in line, their families, for the local businesses who are suffering to be blessed in the coming days, for local folks to just breathe and know that we only have ONE MORE DAY of this discombobulation which is causing disruption to people’s routines. But…we need to count our blessings that we have a solid home, food, water, and good health.
Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Blessings to you and yours. And count those blessings (*wink*smile).
Love, Stephanie
