A Long Night

Last night storms passed through our area. We were blessed that they weren't close to our house, but they did go through a small town where we have loved ones. The town of Atkins was hard hit by a tornado. At least four people in that community lost their lives. We spent most of the evening trying to get word about people we know that live there. While all of them made it through alright, I know they still need our prayers today as the community begins to see the real extent of the damage.

From Atkins the storms moved northeast through the northern part of our county. A tornado touched down in the Cleveland area. That is where my mother grew up. While I don't know anybody in that area anymore, my prayers are still with them as they struggle with their losses.

Next the tornado moved to the town of Clinton. And while I don't personally know anybody there, one of our clients owns a store there. As they talked about the damage, I couldn't help but think that of the forty or so employees of that store, surely one was effected in one way or another. I haven't heard yet this morning if there was any damage to the store, but I am praying that all is well.

The storms continued to move through the state, killing eleven before it was over. It made for a long night, as we watched tv in awe of everything that was happening. I am still praying for all of the families who are dealing with the devastation this morning.

Tornados amaze me with their seeming randomness. While one house is demolished, the one next door is left with no damage at all. It reminds me of the scripture in Matthew 24 where it talks about the coming of Christ.

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the
coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall
be taken, and the other left. Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill;
the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know
not what hour your Lord doth come. Matthew 24:39-42

And while we can prepare for tornados, watching their paths unfold through the amazing technology of radar and dopler, we can't know exactly where they will land. The same goes for the coming of Christ. While we can watch for the signs as given by the Bible, we can't know the exact hour he will come for us. It may be today for me, tomorrow for you, or next week for the entire world. However we can be prepared by knowing Him and having Him in our hearts, so that when that day comes, we will know exactly where we will spend eternity.