Although today brings the promise of an absolutely beautiful day with its crisp cool morning and just warm enough to engage in serious gardening and yard work, there are still people here in New Jersey and across the other states affected by Hurricane Ida’s torrential rains that are still struggling to put their levs back together again.
People are still cleaning out basements, flooded by the storm. A group of veterans known as Team Rubicon, established in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, works as volunteers for disaster relief efforts. Now based in a Hillsborough firehouse, they are pitching in to help Manville and other Central New Jersey towns affected by the storm.
Cleaning up after such a storm takes time. Remember Sandy? Our 24-hour day news cycle moves us from one story, one disaster to another, making it easier to forget the long term effects of storms and other natural disasters. There are still wildfires burning in the West, although not on the front and center of news stories, impacting people and the environment.
Prayer for the Day
Let us not forget others still in turmoil, O God of memory,
But bring them to the forefront of our hearts;
Remembering that others helped us when we were in need,
May we support those who now provide assistance.
Grant, O Lord, that we do not erase the needs of others
But direct us to create a community of care.
In the name of the One who points the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.
John Bunyan, English writer and preacher (1628-1688)
A fine glass vase goes from treasure to trash, the moment it is broken. Fortunately, something else happens to you and me. Pick up your pieces. Then, help me gather mine.
Vera Nazarian, American novelist
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear God,
On those who hope in the steadfast love of God, delivering them from death,
And to keep them alive in famine. We hope in the Lord,
For God is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33: 18-20