For a first blog it is difficult to determine a topic. So I decided to choose something simple: the weather. The weather is what we talk about when we don’t have anything else pressing to say. We don’t have to worry that the other person cannot relate to what we are discussing because the weather is all around everybody so it is a universal experience.
You can even communicate your thoughts about the weather with someone who doesn’t speak your own language. Just gesture the obvious: “It’s hot” or “it’s cold” and the other person will smile and nod in agreement.
Weather can even create lots of behavior and emotions. In the Gulf Coast, it creates a semi-addiction to the weather’s tropical forecast when a tropical depression is first spotted to its eventual demise.
In Georgia, my home state, predictions of snow can cause stores to empty quickly of bread, milk, and eggs—even if some people eat very little of these items on normal days. The threat of bad weather causes people to crave these items it would seem.
Preparation is a good thing. Panic is a bad thing. People have to learn a balance. Over-preparation can be wasteful—especially if you purchase food that goes to waste. Not preparing can lead to difficulties in the worst case scenario. Panic is always bad. People who panic are of little good to those around them. They use perfectly good energy worrying about something that they have no control over. It’s a waste.
Some people never prepare. That works well when the worst case doesn’t materialize. But in the few instances when that disaster occurs, preparation makes coping with disaster much “easier.”
During the blizzard of ’93 in North Georgia when the power was out for about seven days, those who prepared were able to “weather” the storm more easily. Fuel, firewood, and foods that could be cooked over the woodstove, fireplace, or camp stove were enjoyed and savored.
During Katrina, I was glad I had plenty of ice available—bagged and ready to go in the freezer. I had all I needed and was able to share with those who struggled to not let food spoil.
I have diverged from the weather topic to preparation for bad weather but they are inextricably connected. Prepare and do not panic. This is a good recipe for all of life. We don’t always know what’s coming so prepare the best you can, calm down, and don’t panic. God is in control
