If you look for the helpers, you’ll know that there’s hope.~Fred Rogers
We have all undoubtedly felt at some point like we are walking through the eye of the storm, whether personally or professionally. I literally walked through it last week! I am a native Floridian, so while the ominous nature of an impending hurricane never is ideal, it is part of our reality every year from June-November. When Hurricane Ian came ashore and ravaged the southern west coast of my dear home state, it then headed right toward me and my family. Though we were prepared as best could be, you never fully know what is heading your way until it gets there. Although we lie in the path that had much destruction and flooding, we fared very well with limited damage. But I did get to walk through the winds and rains of the eye as it passed over my home. In addition to having 2 children, I also have 2 dogs that require the use of facilities in an outdoor fashion. Yep, I had to take them out to go “potty” during some of the most hectic parts of the storm. Perspective!
But it is this that got me thinking, we all walk through that storm at some point. We all have personal and professional challenges that force us to face tough days head-on and come out on the other side and deal with whatever is the result. Nothing in life can be controlled and nothing is 100% predictable–especially not the weather. So, no matter how well you prepare for anything in life, you will still have to deal with things you didn’t expect to happen–good, bad, or otherwise!
I find that it is in times of tragedy and uncertainty that we see the very best in the people around us, and even in ourselves. So often you see videos of people putting themselves out there for the benefit of assisting another human being. It should be celebrated, even in times of struggle, that there is still that pure and invaluable humanity among us! We lend a hand, we lend our time, talents, and treasures to those who need our help.
Even when you see the devastation of something like a hurricane, you can always see the good that rises from it. It restores our faith in each other that we can count on our neighbors, our friends, even in the kindness of strangers. In a world that is so overly commoditized and greed is looming over much of what we see, there is still that goodness and sense of camaraderie and community present in times like these! And although I don’t wish a tragic event like this to occur more often for us to see the presence of all that is right in the world, I still found it comforting to acknowledge it and give praise and credit where it is due.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all who have suffered loss in this storm. And our gratitude and praise to all those who have helped and continue to do so in the months and years ahead in rebuilding lives and communities! We are truly stronger together!