Last week as I was pondering, my thoughts were on my husband’s upcoming birthday that we would be celebrating in New Orleans before, during, and after his St. Patrick’s Day birthday.
I remember writing about how we had come to love New Orleans for its great food and drink, but especially for its great people … their resiliency and resolve to remain hopeful, make the best of things, and celebrate life. And as I wrote last week, I had no idea, really, how devastating the rain and snow falling across Nebraska would be for so much of our state, our communities and infrastructure, our people, neighbors and friends, their livestock, livelihoods, their homes. It was so hard for me to drive to the airport Saturday morning knowing that many in Nebraska were in emergency status. I would have been helping people in a heartbeat had we not had travel plans. Instead, I prayed. I checked my phone for Facebook posts, most coming from friends in Schuyler or clergy across the state to report what they were seeing or dealing with. I prayed more. I got frustrated that Nebraska didn’t make the national news until Tuesday. And I prayed some more. Yes, we’re in New Orleans as I ponder this week, but my heart is in Nebraska. I promise you that we are enjoying New Orleans, but I am also tuned into what is happening at home. I praise and thank God for the Facebook posts that show people helping people and the resiliency of Nebraskans in the face of adversity. Last night, making our way to the ferry for our return trip, we greeted the security guard, as we typically do. Oddly, he didn’t speak. Almost past him, softly, he called to us … can you help me? We both moved toward him. Sure, how could we help you? James hadn’t been relieved by another guard, nor had he eaten for 12 hours. Long story short, God used us and another couple to get James the help he needed … water, orange juice, an ambulance, and a pastor to remind him that God loves him. I guess we were right where we needed to be. For James. For God. Grace and peace … --Pastor Pat
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