Storms. Accidents. Illnesses. Such events bring an aftermath of destruction and the daunting task of rebuilding. What took mere moments to damage can require months or years of restoration in the aftermath of life’s destructive seasons. How can we find the strength and courage to rebuild?
My Mysterious Mind
The past few months of spring storms have been crazy. As a native Missourian, I am accustomed to the violent methods nature uses to bring moisture and revitalization after winter’s time of rest. Some spring seasons are quieter than others; this year’s spring wake-up call has been wild.
The most recent installment of spring storms was this past Tuesday, and it came during the unlikely time frame of mid-morning. I listened to severe thunderstorm warnings on my drive to a 9 a.m. chiropractic appointment; none included our county, Greene. I could see an ominous shelf cloud to the west with wicked bolts of lightning striking the horizon. Emerging from the appointment a few minutes later, I decided to quickly drive north, hoping to escape the storm as it traveled east. A tornado warning was issued when I was only a few blocks away from my workplace. Deciding not to risk being on the road, I pulled under the carport of an east-facing gas station and went indoors for shelter.
The carport soon filled with other motorists with a plan similar to mine. From inside the convenience store, several of us watched the arrival of fierce wind and heavy rain. I noted the doors to the backrooms, just in case we needed to take stronger shelter. Soon the electricity went out and the nervous store employee called in a report. She said she didn’t know what else to do, so I told her. When the warning is over and everyone leaves, you lock the doors and remain closed until management directs you otherwise.
When the storm had passed, I continued to my office, greeted by coworkers who were emerging from shelter locations in my building. About an hour later I left again because I had plans to meet a friend for lunch. It was during that drive that I saw the devastation in the blocks adjacent to my gas station shelter. Downed trees had blocked streets and loss of electricity had closed businesses throughout most of the city. My friend and I eventually found an open restaurant, but it took about 30 minutes of driving around.
Assessing the damage, the news reported that 55,000 residences were without electricity. Public schools were closed and many didn’t reopen for a few days as crews worked to restore power. Tree companies mobilized to remove trees from streets and homes, work that continued days later. Some houses were destroyed, others only slightly damaged, but a few minutes of destruction will take many weeks to rebuild.
All of this got me thinking about destructive events and the subsequent recovery process. A serious illness or accident can require months of healing and strengthening. A heated argument might require an extended period of relationship rebuilding. The death of a family member will bring years of grief and recuperation. Sometimes what is destroyed can be rebuilt; at other times the survivors rebuild as they adjust to a loss. Where is destruction in your life? How can you rebuild in the aftermath?
Message of Mystery Acres
The forest is strikingly different than it was before this spring’s volley of storms. During my recent visit I was struck by two things. One, the extent of downed trees and broken limbs, and two, the abundance of wildflowers. As I walked along the creek, I found it hard to process how much the look of everything had changed. The appearance was altered due to the damaged trees but also to the aftermath of heavy rain rushing through.
What started as a quick trip down to the creek became a long meandering, extended to the point that my husband called to find out what happened to me. I was overwhelmed processing the altered context of my beloved forest. One of the trees I used as a landmark along the creek had been twisted off, the trunk lying behind the fractured stump. Straight line winds don’t do that to trees. It’s more likely a small tornado skipped along the upper edge of the forest, casting victims in various directions.
Never before had I seen such damage from a single season of spring storms. But, also, I had never seen so many wildflowers. My usual spring strolls will reveal a handful of flowers, with limited numbers of any one type. Not this time. There was wild hyacinth, larkspur, spring beauties, dewberry, violets, and wood betony. The mayapple was starting to bloom, as were wood sorrels and star flowers. And, most amazing, is that after six years of exploring the same piece of land I made a new discovery: long-bracted wild indigo!
The message of Mystery Acres is twofold. First, storms must come, sometimes so powerful the appearance of things will never be the same. Second, in the aftermath of storms there will be a wealth of beauty. A spring stroll through the forest will reveal both. Much has changed and destruction is strewn all around, but also sprinkled throughout are colorful treasures. We need to open our eyes to see both.
Ancient Mystery’s Voice
“They replied, ‘Let’s start rebuilding.’ And then they began the good work.” (See Nehemiah 2:18b)
Jerusalem has a long history of conflict and struggle with enemies. In ancient times, there was a wall around Jerusalem that had been burned and broken by attackers. The destruction left not only a badly damaged wall but a deeply discouraged people. God sent the prophet Nehemiah to help lead the rebuilding.
Nehemiah spoke to the people about the gracious hand of God upon him and said, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.” (2:17). The people responded by saying, “Let us rise up and build.” And they made their hands strong for the good work of rebuilding. Each person focused on the part of the wall next to where they lived, not only building but also defending it as they built. And they were successful; the wall was restored, and the people became more united in having rebuilt it.
I see so much happening in this story of destruction and restoration. A discouraged people were inspired by a dedicated leader to tackle a seemingly impossible task. The work of rebuilding is a good work. It’s hard to rebuild, facing not only the difficulty of the work itself, but also the unrelenting enemy of discouragement. “There’s so much to do. It’s too much. We’ll never get through this.” But they worked together, each doing their part, and together they were successful. And, as a result of the rebuilding, they were more united than before.
Rebuilding requires strength, but it also builds strength. Ancient Mystery’s Voice gives us encouragement to rebuild after a time of destruction. It calls for a working together, becoming stronger for the work, and from the work. It is hard to rebuild, but it is good to do so. Thousands of years ago, the Israelites said, “Let’s start rebuilding.” A century ago, Rosie the Riveter said, “Let’s do this!” Flexing our biceps of courage, let’s face the destruction near us and do our part to rebuild. It is good work.
Living in Mystery
What does it mean to live in the mystery of rebuilding in the aftermath of destruction? First, it means facing the damage caused by one of life’s storms. Whether damaged health, relationships, property, or one’s social network, an essential first step to rebuilding is to assess what has been destroyed or badly damaged. How bad is it? Instead of denying the damage, rebuilding starts with acknowledging what happened and how much restoration or recovery will be needed.
Absorbing the full emotional extent of the aftermath, the next reaction to follow is usually grief, and with it, discouragement. What was fine such a short time ago is now destroyed, with a long road to restoration, and the painful recognition that some things may never be the same. This is a tough phase, one like quicksand for some people, easy to get stuck here. If you are stuck here, reach out to someone for help. If you know someone who is mired in grief, come along side of them with an outstretched hand, and open heart, to help. Talk about what happened and process the loss together.
After the emotional shock of destruction’s aftermath, the movement to rebuild starts with a plan. What rubble needs to be cleared? Damage to property, health, or relationships will leave debris. There are messes to clean up in the aftermath of life’s storms.
The next part of the plan is to determine how repairs will be handled. How will property be rebuilt, health restored, or relationships reconciled? Will professionals need to be hired? What resources will be required for the rebuilding?
When the plan is in place the actual work can begin. The long period of rebuilding will go better if others help with the work AND if discouragement is kept at bay. Adopt a “we do it,” instead of a “me do it” attitude. Rebuilding in the aftermath of life’s storms takes endurance for the long haul. As you do your part, notice those who help, and ignore those who do not help or work against you. There is no room for discouragement during the tough season of rebuilding. Unite with those who align with your plan of restoration, growing closer and stronger as you rebuild.
During the long phase of rebuilding, claim the good along the way and the good waiting at the end of the recovery. April showers bring May flowers. Rebuilding can build things better than they were before. Relationships can be strengthened. Storms and loss can enrich the value of life.
Living in the mystery of rebuilding in the aftermath of destruction may not feel good but it is good. Like violent storms in the forest, there will be more wildflowers to follow. Has a storm moved through your life or the life of someone you love? Face the reality of the damage, not denying the pain of the loss. Allow grief to flow through, but don’t get stuck there, or allow someone you love to become trapped. Recognize the work of rebuilding, which starts with clearing up any damage or messes from the passing storm. Make a plan to rebuild and work with others to do the work. Know rebuilding work is good and that good can come from even the worst storm. Strengthen yourself for the work and be strengthened by the work. Let’s rebuild together!
Connecting with Mystery
Dear Lord of All Mystery, the storms of life leave damage to people and things we love. Comfort us in the pain of loss and grief in the aftermath of destruction. Help us see the good of the rebuilding and the good from the storm. Grant us wisdom and strength for the long work of rebuilding. Defend us against discouragement and help us endure until the work is completed. Amen.
Notes from Dr. Mac
If you want to do your own investigation of any of the scriptures I use, I suggest you go to Bible Gateway. This free online version of the Bible allows a search of words or phrases in various translations. I encourage you to read the book of Nehemiah.
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