Storm Shelter

I think God was trying to teach me something last night. He used two children, a storm and the kindness of neighbors. The weather turned ugly just before church time. My granddaughter was afraid, she does not like lightening. Grandma and Grandpa continued to reassure her and her little brother, that we were safe and God was watching out for us. We convinced them to "March in the Infantry" and sing "If You're Happy and You Know It" very loud, hoping to drown out the sound of the storm and calm their little spirits. The thunder, wind, rain, lightening and hail came and went all through services. We prayed in class that God would protect and care for us. During our devotional time at the end of services, our elder spoke of the assurance we have in Christ and the confidence we should have that once we ask, He will answer.
We'd been home just a few minutes when the second storm hit, bringing with it the same rain, hail, wind, lightening and thunder. Again we sang and laughed-----until the tornado siren sounded! Although she is only five and her brother only two, and I think this was their first time with the siren, they knew it was loud and scary and that it couldn't mean something good. God bless our good neighbors, the Harpers, who called and invited us to share their storm shelter. We bundled up the kids, already in their jammies, wrapped their blankets round them, grabbed little dog and ran next door. The children were frightened and clung to us. We reassured them again, as did our neighbors, that we were safe. Before long, the children were talking and singing and playing ring-around-the-rosie, oblivious to the storm outside and the almost constant news on the weather radio. As long as we were in the shelter, they felt safe enough to play, sing and do what small children do. After awhile, we were given the all clear, the weather warning was lifted and we made our way home. The children were afraid again as we began to leave the shelter, and once again, reassurance was in order. As we arrived back home and tucked them in with hugs and kisses, Madi said "I am so proud of God for keeping us safe, aren't you Grandma?" And within a few minutes, both she and her brother were sound asleep. How amazing is the faith of a child and the protection of the Father?

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Peace,
Neva