Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Safe and Sound

For those who know us, and live in Kansas, you may have heard our little town on the news when a tornado was spotted Sunday night, amidst all those storms sweeping the state. When the weather alarm sounded, we turned on the TV, heard our town's name and made a run for the shelter.

I was so pleased with First Son. I asked him to put on his sandals, turned to grab Second Daughter from her high chair (we were in the middle of dinner) and he was at my elbow, ready to go, when I turned around. First Daughter was a little more trouble. Kansas Dad followed with her a few minutes later.

I don't know if the little funnel cloud even touched down, but it was certainly north of us as we didn't even get high winds. The kids and I hung out in the shelter for about fifteen minutes while Kansas Dad watched the news through the window. We listened to a local radio station on the laptop (love the wireless internet).

Kansas Dad and I listened to the storms rage late into the night. Nights like those I hate living here. I wondered if all our amazing weather coverage (which no doubt saves lives) actually makes spring more stressful. All those tornado watches (when conditions are right) and the extended weather coverage where we can watch the storms stalk neighboring counties and when the slightest rotation is detected on radar, the warnings sound (tornado!). So I stay tense, poised to grab the kids and run. I wonder if I can manage all of them myself and wonder what I'd do if I were nine months pregnant. It's a struggle to get my thoughts under control.

So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matt 6:34)


I will say this: when I was in the shelter with my three little ones, Kansas Dad watching the storms for us, I was perfectly content, a bit excited, but not anxious at all.