I barely have any reception, and we are entering day five of no electricity in our home. I know there was a time in human history when homo sapiens did not have electricity, but I also know that the postmillennial hope keeps me from wanting Wendell Berry as a patron saint. I like being able to keep my freezer meat at an appropriate temperature until it's time to eat.
We are living the generous generator life of Hurricane survivors. And the blessedness of a church community that has gone above and beyond in serving us and so many others. Forgive my lack of content, but here are a couple of images from Hurricane Isaias in our home.
This one is, to me, the most iconic. Waking up, entering your home office, and looking outside to see a forest instead. This multi-layered splendor fell across my backyard and crushed my deck, took the soffit and gutter, and damaged some of my roof.
My wife and oldest son share a birthday, and here is a picture of both of them standing in front of that same tree. We spent their happy day surrounded by the smell of chainsaw gas and the sight of branches up close.
But then on the Lord’s Day, we gathered like a fine group of warriors, and the church was packed for our one service. The 10:30 crowd joined us for the 8 am service when the weather was coolest, and we had a marvelous service thanking our God in covenant renewal. The inside was dark with a few open doors, but the Light of the World was present, shining upon us!
UPDATE: As I write this extended text message, the power came back on! Thanks be to God! I will continue this missal when I have duly recovered physically from the last four days.
Nuntium
Melinda and I are headed to speak at the God Keep Our Land Conference in Canada in a couple of days. Pray for our trip, which will mark the last major one of the year.
We are praying for you, dear brother.