It was one of those weekends. Part of me welcomed a reason to huddle up inside, make muffins, play games and watch old movies. Part of me waited with bated breath to see if the predictions would unfold, laid awake at night listening to the howling wind, and then watched the catastrophic evidence as Hurricane Harvey unleashed it’s fury.
Family began to call and message to check on our safety. We contacted those we knew closer to the coast to check on their safety; asked nearby family and friends if they needed help.
There is a surreal quality to natural disasters; whether you are in the midst of the destruction or watching helpless from miles away. A sense that you can’t believe what you are seeing, even if you’re there.
It was in this state that we turned to old movies for some distraction, and my husband put in the movie Starman, a 1984 favorite starring Jeff Bridges. Jeff plays an alien who comes to Earth to learn about humans and embodies a man from Madison, Wisconsin. Although I’ve seen it many times, I was struck by the timing of hearing these words:
The truth of the Starman’s observation is repeatedly validated as I watch the selfless acts of rescue and outreach that have begun and will continue for a long time.The devastation here in Texas is deep and wide, and will take much love and commitment to heal. It won’t be easy and it won’t be quick; but healing will come.
I am struck by the knowledge that the acts of kindness I see on the news are but the tip of the iceberg. Many strong arms and big hearts have already stepped in to save lives and offer comfort.
Organized disaster relief will come – and is needed, but our organized efforts will be far outweighed by the smaller, compassionate acts of human kindness extended person to person, neighbor to neighbor, stranger to stranger.
It is a beautiful part of who we are: the capacity to look beyond our differences when things are at their worst. Perhaps we can harness the energy of Harvey to remind us of this beauty and an opportunity to practice living it each day.
To being our very best,
Pam