Waiting for the Inevitable

As Chuck told me last week, these seem to be dark times. Many of our friends and family are experiencing difficulties and loss. I’ve been to two wakes in the last two weeks alone: one for Chuck’s grandfather and one for a friend’s father. I think this, coupled with the grim reports on TV about Hurricane Katrina, have combined to give us that feeling that these are indeed dark times.

A little over a week ago, my own grandfather collapsed. It is now apparent that he is in the last days of his life. My parents are with him in Texas making him comfortable and being present with him as he passes from this world to the next. Grandpa used his last days of coherency to say good bye to those he loved. And now, as his mind dwells more and more in a place far removed from his hospital room, we wait. We wait for the inevitable.

At the same time as my Grandfather is making his exit, another massive hurricane is making an entrance, Rita. Preparations are nearly complete: people are evacuated, supplies are in place, repair and recovery teams are at the ready. Now, as the storm makes it slow approach, there is still more waiting and wondering—what will be left at the other side?

The watching, waiting, worrying, and plan making that is happening at a national level for Hurricane Rita is a larger depiction of what is going on in my own family. It is an anxious time. But these are things that are out of our control: hurricanes and death, among other things. That is what makes them so scary. But God reminds us that although these things are out of our control, they are held in the palm of his hand. God knows what is on the other side of all things and will sustain us in all circumstances. This is why Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

This is my prayer for myself, my family, and all those who are waiting with anxious heart about what Hurricane Rita will bring – that the peace of God will rule in us instead of the anxiety of powerlessness to change what is to come.

© Michelle Scott 2005