Tic-Toc, we watch the clock

Every two hours there is an update across the board with dozens of prediction models for this storm. At this very moment, it appears that it will go into the gulf side of the US west of us, western Louisiana, or eastern Texas even. For a city still recovering, this is a welcomed site.

But the PTSD for a collective culture is still all too real. The nerves, the jumpy government, from local through FEMA (Federal), no one will tolerate a repeat of 2005's failure to manage this problem. The news is dominated by plans, exhortations, and government reassurance. The talk about the table tonight (our Matthew's Table) was where you'll go.

Susanne has made reservations for us all in Memphis - the first port of lodging we can find. IF we go, when do we go....

SO, we wait, "tic-toc" we watch the clock, waiting for new update, after new update, after new update. This waiting is the hard part. It's strange, life goes on; school, work, we mow the lawns early to avoid the crushing humidity and heat tomorrow, yet we've bought ice to move frozen items, plan out preparations and packing. We talk vehicles, who we need to take with us, and discuss emotions for our jittery first timers through such threats.

It's the waiting that drives one mad - the PTSD comes with the waiting!

Lord, you are sovereign.
We choose to trust and wait.
It is but houses, material possessions that become instantly irrelevant when life comes into the measure.

We remember that we are not of this world,
nor of this society, but an order, a Celtic monastic tribe,
sent alongside this neighborhood, and city to model
being your people.

We listen and model,
We pray and wait,
We leave our angst with You
knowing not one hair, nor one window is outside your grasp or control.

We accept whatever you bid us.
Should You strip us of every dollar, we are but Yours.
Should You change our calling by disaster, or call us ever more here
through disaster, we are Yours.

Whatever our lot, we're in.
Whatever Your bidding, we respond.
Just, oh please allow us, to be a light on a hill, a sweet fragrance,
Allow us to contain the bright light of You to shine through our cracks.

Selah. Amen.