I’m a weather nut, and I think I make that pretty clear. I enjoy storms and watching hurricanes spinning in the Atlantic. I think I share one thing with all those who are weather freaks like me though. We don’t enjoy watching what happens afterwards.
Yesterday’s tornadoes were devastating to many people. Some families went to bed last night with no home, no jobs, some even without loved ones. We live in a dangerous world, and not just danger that comes from other human beings. Nature itself is very fickle and has no respect for possessions, names, or social status. Any moment something can happen that will change the course of a life. Ask people along the coast of Japan. Ask people in Tuscaloosa, AL.
I love storms. There are few things more enjoyable to me than listening to a thunderstorm rage outside while watching radar and listening to storm spotters in the field. I understand that this is a little weird, but it’s what I do. I wanted to be a meteorologist growing up, and actually spent a year in the meteorology department at OU, but life intervened and I wasn’t able to complete it. Weather is just a part of me.
I don’t enjoy watching scenes like depicted here. While I’m in awe of the incredible power shown in the picture to the right, I don’t welcome seeing it. I can’t help but look at it and realize that almost 300 people died due to the unbelievable relentlessness of the storm. Click on that image and you can see that the tornadoes were powerful enough to etch lines into the Earth big enough for satellites to see. (h/t to Mike Smith for pointing me to the image)
It’s impossible to explain why things like this happen. All I can do is pray for those who have been affected by the storms and ask that God gives them peace, strength, and comfort in this time. I know it can’t be easy to deal with, but that is where having a strong community of friends, family and church around you can help.
Add me to your reader!