Weather Changes

As I sit here typing this column, the sun is streaming through the window, and although it’s cold outside, it’s quite nice inside.

It’s a far cry from the weather we had two weeks ago today.

Yes, it’s been two weeks since tornadoes wreaked havoc in Jasper County, with more than 100 residences still without power, and volunteers and different agencies still helping with clean-up which will take a while.

Last Saturday, a lot of volunteers went to the Family Life Center at New Rocky Creek Baptist Church and were dispatched to some of the hardest hit areas to help the homeowners get their property in shape. There were many pieces of large equipment, lots of folks with chain saws, and a number who offered labor without any tools. Members of the Monticello Hurricane football team were among those volunteering, and it warms the heart to know that.

Head Coach Ashley Henderson said, “It’s important these guys learn to give a hand to those that need help. It’s important we teach our guys to be more than football players. Work to be great men, great students, sons, brothers, husbands. We want to win on and off the field.”

Those words are so true.

I had occasion to talk to people at both banks this week who are really appreciating internet now as they, like the schools, were down much of last week.

I heard from the bank employees about customers becoming angry because what they needed to do at the bank required more effort than usual. And maybe it couldn’t even be done. It could wait.

I asked, do they not realize tornadoes went through here? Do they not realize that people are without homes? A little inconvenience of no internet isn’t nearly as bad as trying to find somewhere else to live, either temporarily or permanently. It’s not nearly as bad as having lost a husband, son, father.

The city of Monticello and much of Jasper County was spared serious damage. Not so the whole county.

My heart goes out to those who were injured, those who lost their homes, even those who only lost use of their homes for a short time.

Imagine the fear when the tornado was bearing down on those properties. Imagine the fear when a tree fell through the house you are in for safety. Imagine destruction so bad that nearly two weeks later some roads are not passable.

This is what happened to our neighbors. And, many of you have volunteered to help. Many turned out to help Saturday, and others have helped non-stop since the tornadoes came through. Others have just jumped in where they can when they could. There are still lots of good people in this world.

But, back to those complaining about no internet. Give it a rest, people. Realize that what is really just an inconvenience to you is the result of a natural disaster. Jasper County has been spared many times. This time we got hit. We need to appreciate the sunshine, the good people, and the wonderful world we live in. Stop fussing about what you don’t have and think about what you do have.

And these are good words to live by. Count your blessings, pray for those less fortunate, and maybe, just maybe, there’s some place each of us can be a blessing to others.