More Lessons from the Flood

My sweet in-laws have been with us this weekend--helping with my kiddos as I worked on the home's annual fundraiser and my husband paid his 'on call' dues.

Yes, I did remember to put sheets on their bed. :-)

We also got a chance to see pictures of the progress on their flooded home.
It is hard to believe that this is the same home where my husband spent so many years.

Throughout the main floor, everything four feet and under has been removed--floors, cabinets, duct work, appliances, toilets, counters, rugs.

There is still much to be done, but for the next several weeks they will continue trying to dry out what remains. Then the rebuilding will begin.

Emotionally, they seem to be doing remarkably well. Physically, their bodies are tired. Tearing down in order to rebuild has become their full time job.

My mother-in-law and I had a good conversation last night about what she is learning so far...how appreciative she is of a rock solid marriage, how blessed she feels to have such supportive friends.She mentioned how humbling it was to read through comments of support and pledges of prayers left here. She remarked on all she has learned about the burden of 'things.'

One thing she said that has really lingered with me is how she is learning a lot about what to say (and not to say) to those going through their own 'floods.' Her conclusion: Just being there is often much more meaningful than what you say. I have heard it said 90% of life is just showing up. I might argue the validity of that statement in some things...but in relationships, it certainly holds some truth.

"I am here. I am praying. I am sorry." Those are powerful words.

As a friend of mine and I were just discussing Friday, people just want to know they are not walking through this crazy world alone. They just want to know that someone else has been where they are, has felt what they feel and won't leave them there without companionship. We need each other.

So, look around you. Don't overthink it. You don't need all the answers, you don't have to know why it happened or what the lesson is... Just show some kindness and godly love to the people God puts in your path. "Doing life" with other people is a huge gift. Meeting people where they are, entering their world...it is not a new concept. God modeled it in the gift of His Son.