On the way to the hospital to visit our 18th grand-baby on January 4th, my wife and I considered how blessed we are.
Not everyone would see it this way:
Due to the earthquake, the building we have used as floor space for our business in Anchorage is tagged unsafe. We are scrambling to move the whole operation (10,000 square feet) to another location. The temperatures have been below zero. Some of our most dependable vehicles have stopped running (weird!). Pipes are broken at the new location from “ground shift.”
Of course, this all takes its toll on finances.
Carol experienced the initial 7.0 quake and aftershocks in the 20-story Captain Cook Hotel (the Cook was opened in 1964).
Would there be a tsunami?
Are family and friends safe?
How many more aftershocks are coming?
We all waited for answers…
After the quake, we were reminded that commuters have only one north route and one south route leading out of the city. My wife joined hundreds of vehicles trying to get home to communities like Eagle River and Girdwood. It took HOURS to inch her way 25 miles. Drivers had no idea if freshly buckled roads and cracking bridges lay ahead.
We sometimes think that blessings must always be nice things that God does for us—but I see blessings as God’s interference and active involvement in our lives. And that’s how our family is blessed at this moment:
God is involved in the birth of our grand-baby and the health of his mama. God is involved in repairing our broken-down vehicles. Jesus is mentoring us in our long, late hours moving from the unsafe building (Music is blaring and youngsters and teens are seeing us sacrifice for one another).
God is involved in forging faith in my sons, daughters-in-law, children and grandchildren. He is using a physical earthquake to bolster confidence in him—in preparation for spiritual and personal upheavals they will face in life.
During the quake, I rushed to Great Gram’s bedroom where she lay, rocking and rolling. I wrapped her in my arms waiting for the shaking to stop—wordless—and it started again. If her 93-year-old heart beat faster, I couldn’t tell by looking into her calm, blue eyes. She’s been through many “earthquakes” in her life.
Mom and I were blessed as we waited together. We were blessed when the shaking was over. We are blessed as we experience God’s involvement in miracles that lie ahead. For those who know Christ, there is no need to fear the future. The Creator of the Universe is involved in every detail of our lives.
[Jesus said] “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Cache of Grace 