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Until Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, I hadn’t fully understood the importance of weathering a storm together – not until together wasn’t an option (my mom and sister lived several towns over).
I know now that God’s creation has a way of bouncing back long before we are ready to do so ourselves. Trees quickly sprout new leaves and branches, as if to remind us that we can also grow again. When we weather storms together, we too can sprout new hope. We too can build our strength again. Seeing that my family was safe strengthened that feeling.
Now, when times are hard, I look to my loved ones and give thanks that they are in my life. God’s creation reminds me that the storm will pass. I find comfort in how God continues to breath life into the world. Like the disciples in the boat with Jesus, I see the importance of weathering the storms of life together.
This message is excerpted from “Weathering the storm together” by Kristina Diaz in the January/February 2024 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, martyr, 156.