The gift of resilience
Last week we experienced a horrific storm–golf ball sized hail, torrential rains, and straight line winds. Nature exhibited her great power. Our front yard is full of trees–some from other locations–and many that are not standing upright. Farmer Bob’s garden was shredded.
Some of our neighbors fared even worse–trees on houses, outbuildings destroyed, roofs that must be replaced. This week Farmer Bob started on the trees that fell during the storm (after taking time to pose with the roots of the oak tree that powerfully pushed down several more into our yard).
It’s not easy recovering from storms–either those in nature or those in our daily lives. But, thankfully, we are not alone during those hardships or during the recovery which follows.
God gifted us with the blessing of resilience.
The dictionary defines resilience as the ability to recover quickly from problems or setbacks (Encarta). Synonyms include flexibility and suppleness, being able to “bounce back” from adversity.
We definitely needed resilience following this storm:
- No power for 30 hours (no water either).
- Trees down in the front yard, on the pasture fences, and several hovering over our hay shed, leaning precariously on other trees.
- Flowers demolished by rain and hail.
- A garden that appeared completely destroyed.
But, we are blessed. So many others have more damage. And, when I see the situation that farmers are dealing with in the mid-West and South, I know how truly blessed we are.
- Neither we nor our animals received any injuries.
- Our house wasn’t damaged.
- We are physically able to use a chain saw (Farmer Bob) and drag the brush away (me) and clean up the mess of ten fallen trees.
- Good neighbors and family have helped us.
Nature is resilient, too. Farmer Bob’s garden is recovering!
Resilience sounds like a good quality to cultivate, doesn’t it? Have you had experiences when God blessed you with resilience?
But, as with most things, there’s a dark side. If we’re not resilient, we tend to be rigid, “set in our ways.” Rigidity may cause us to resist positive change or compel us to hold on to anger, grudges, and unforgiveness. What strategies do you use to help you be more tolerant and forgiving?
I hope you’ll join me in the following prayer.
Father, thank you for blessing us with resilience in times of trial and storms. Thank you for being with us through the hard times, for easing our burden when our load is heavy, and for carrying us when we stumble. But, Father, sometimes we are resistant to recovery and want to hold onto anger and unforgiveness. In those times, please help us be steadfast in love, compassion, and forgiveness. Help us to love others as you have loved us.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Amen! Joined you and Farmer Bob in prayer Ms. Katherine. Sometimes the storms of life can knock us down. Was praising God this morning as I read your words; that even though we might be down now and again, we’re never out. I love how you found ways to name your blessings in the midst of the carnage. Keeping our focus where it needs to be is key to surviving our storms my friend. God’s blessings. Will continue praying clean up goes safely and easily. Stay safe and stay well.
Thank you, J.D. Thank you for your prayers. Clean-up is going very slowly due to continuous rain. I know you’re having bad weather in your state as well. Praying for all those in the paths of these storms. Wishing you a safe and blessed week!
I remember my mom telling me about the hotels in Japan that are built on ‘rollers’ so when the hurricanes, earthquakes, and other storms come, they roll with them. May we have rollers too with God’s Spirit within us, undergirding us, and giving fresh perspective. He holds us, does He not?
Love your analogy of the ‘rollers’, Jeanne! I’m so thankful that we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us roll, swim, run, and whatever action we need to do to stay safe in the protective arms of our Lord.
I’m glad you survived that storm. I love your insight about resilience because we do become rigid when are are not willing to give in to the Holy Spirit. We do get set in our ways and then we don’t want to change.
Thank you, Barbara. Sometimes there’s a fine line between resilience and rigidness, but with God’ help we can have both when needed. I’m praying that He will grant us discernment to know the difference. Wishing you blessings!
Wow, Katherine! I’m so sorry you’ve dealt with all this storm damage! I am honored to join you in that prayer! May God give us healthy resilience, but not the rigidness that keeps us from being obedient to Him!
Thank you for your prayers, Julie. Healthy resilience–that is exactly what we need. Wishing you a wonderful week!
Such a great analogy Katherine. I am also glad you didn’t experience any more damage than you did during those storms. I love your comparison/contrast of resilience vs. rigidity, too. Seeing resilience as a gift is not something many would see. Thank you for your insight.
Thank you for your encouragement, Stephanie. We are so blessed that we had a minimal amount of damage in spite of the power of this storm. Lots of trees and brush to clean up, but houses, animals, and people are okay. I’m so thankful. I think Jesus exhibited great resilience in that he continued to love and express forgiveness to those who harmed Him. A perfect example for us (although we humans struggle sometimes with loving and forgiving).
Resilience is important as a follower of Jesus because trials will come. This is a great reminder to show gratitude for the blessings even during difficult times!
YES! We know those trials will come (and they keep coming), but isn’t it awesome that Jesus is always with us through every trial and storm? Thanks for your encouragement, my friend!
Your post reminds me of a children’s book I used to read to my first graders. It’s the story of a young boy who tells his grandfather about “bad” things that happened. After each report, the grandfather stoically says, “Could be worse.”
It helps teach kids to look on the bright side, just as your post reminds us to focus on the good and not the bad. After all, it “could always be worse.”
Sounds like a great book! My parents used to say that (“could be worse”) and I’m sure I’ve shared that “sage” advice with my children, too. But, you are right, we need to look on the bright side and remember our blessings. Thanks for brightening my day!