Last week, hurricane Helene made an unexpected detour from her projected path and veered toward North and South Carolina. I guess she wanted a dose of Carolina hospitality, but she surely was an inconsiderate guest! Massive flooding, spin-off tornados, uprooted trees, and widespread power outages were left in her wake.
I am grateful my house sustained no damage. Some large limbs down in the yard seems minor compared to the destruction neighbors experienced.
When life hands you an unexpected twist, how do you handle it?
Following are thoughts on responding to the unexpected:
Be a Good Neighbor
After Helene finally blew herself out in our area, I took a walk around my yard and up the street. I was greeted by the harmony of multiple chainsaws. Amid the destruction, I was inspired to see neighbors helping neighbors. I met people who lived near me for years, but I’d never taken the time to get to know.
In a world where we move at such a rapid pace, and tend to stay to ourselves, it’s nice to see this kind of concern and help. Perhaps, we should make it a point to be a good neighbor all the time, not just when crisis comes.
Avoid Acting Like a Crazy Person
Often, when the unexpected happens, people behave like maniacs. In recent days, I’ve witnessed a level of craziness in traffic, in lines for gas, and with purchasing that makes me think people go a little nuts when circumstances are beyond their control.
When the unexpected occurs, avoid rudeness and a me-first attitude. We all experience situations, at times, that jangle nerves and disrupt the normal flow of life. Be gracious instead of acting like a crazy person.
Strive for Patience
In the aftermath of the hurricane, life feels like existing rather than living. Normalcy disappeared. Routines came to a halt. Patience is required to move through these days of uncertainty, realizing these inconveniences won’t last forever.
We live in an impatience society. We’re spoiled by our conveniences, electronics, and mobility. When the unexpected disrupts our way of life, patience vanishes. But believing we are in control is a myth.
These days of shortages and outages, reinforce that level of impatience. Tempers flare. Kindness is absent. However, it’s pointless to become angry about the unexpected. Show you are different by exhibiting patience and kindness.
Resist the Urge to Blame
Blaming and impatience are unhappy twins. People look for any one or any entity to blame when their lives are disrupted by the unexpected. Blaming may give you a target for your frustration, but blaming doesn’t change your current circumstances. So resist the urge to blame.
Cherish the Light
Since childhood, I’ve loved sunset and dusk. Riding my bike home after a long day of outdoor play, I honed in on the light from windows at 110 Greenbriar Road. That light was synonymous with warmth, comfort, and love.
During these days without power, I’ve dreaded the time of day I’ve always loved—sunset. Once the light disappears, the darkness is palpable. Even a flashlight doesn’t reach the dark corners of the room.
As I contemplate the darkness, I think of those who live in emotional or spiritual darkness. Only the power of God’s light is enough to penetrate that level of darkness and bring hope and renewal.
Trust God for What’s Next
Waiting and trusting are hard for most of us. We want immediate answers, or fixes, to life’s unexpected occurrences. God has reasons for not allowing us to see the full, big picture. If we knew the outcome well ahead of time, we’d live in a state of anxiety. This is where trust comes in. How deep is your faith? Trust God for what’s next and for the strength to sustain forward motion.
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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