Swing

It is one thing to clean up after a hurricane, but it is another thing to think about the coming effects of a hurricane that is churning in the Gulf waters.

We are working to repair the damage caused by Gustav and people who call Louisiana home are already bracing for the the arrival of Ike.

There is a sense of urgency to our work as we try to cover holes in roofs so that water will not cause further destruction to homes already damaged by Gustav.

At times it feels like you are not making any progress and there are times when you think that you are making a difference.

Things that one takes for granted at home are rare here in Louisiana.

Ice. Electricity. Running water. Air Conditioning.

Yesterday I met a family that had lost all of these with the exception of water. You could tell that they were a busy family and accustomed to a demanding schedule. Gustav arrived and altered their lifestyle.

During the morning I looked across the yard and noticed a yard swing covered by an awning. It didn't look like it had been used very much pre-Gustav, But yesterday the family of four was sitting on the swing, laughing and enjoying each other. The father was holding his daughter and she was giggling.

It made me stop and think...Disasters have a way of slowing us down and making us appreciate things that are neglected in the busy-ness of life.

It could be that swinging on the porch swing is more valuable than the size of our plasma screens, more valuable than the myriad of sports schedules, more valuable than the constant pace that saps our energies.

My heart was refreshed by a dad holding his daughter swinging on the porch swing. I hope that when life gets back to normal for this family they still swing together under the shade of those beautiful pine trees in Baker, Louisiana.