Today I traveled 15 minutes outside of Loveland, Colorado to
a ranch that was covered in flood waters a little over a year ago. I have heard from others that the monetary
cost to respond to the 2013 flooding in Colorado was greater than that of Katrina. I have no source to back that up so I don’t
know if it’s true. What I do know is the
devastation from the flood was massive.
It’s humbling to walk the grounds that were once submerged by
water. It’s
even more humbling to digest the pain and loss so many families experienced as
a result of this flood. But it’s moving
to see restoration that is taking place and beauty that is emerging.
As I walked the acres of the ranch along a riverbed, I saw both
destruction caused by high waters as well as splendor in the landscape. Both piles of toppled trees and spouts of
seedlings. A mangled fence driven into
the ground as well as sloped lawn under the shade of trees. Both extremes caught my attention and seemed
to have so much to teach about life.
I heard it said today, Jesus doesn’t look for teachable
moments…He creates them. I’m amazed at how Jesus, ever so graciously,
by the indwelling Spirit, walks with me through the difficulties I face. He doesn’t remove difficulties from my life. As a matter of fact, some difficulties are
brought about by Him. But in those
moments, I am more certain than ever, He is at work. He is accomplishing something of beauty in my
life. Out of the pain, magnificence is
birthed.
I’m thankful for the remarkable kindness my Savior has for me
and the way His glory surfaces in my life because of the struggles He brings me
through. Many, O
Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. ~ Psalm 40:5a
