Reflection

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Joplin tornado.  Lots of memories are swirling around in my mind.  Memories of what we were doing in the days before, the day of and the days after.  It has been a tough year for many.  Some of our close friends have lost their homes or loved ones.  While we were not directly affected ourselves, we still feel the pain of our community.  We have lived in Joplin for 19 years.  So many places we would drive past and places we frequented over the years are no longer there.  Our hearts still utter a sigh as we gaze upon their empty spaces.  But, in the past year, we have seen the outpouring of God's love and of the community in acts of kindness and selfless service.  There are still voluteers here in Joplin, helping in any way they can.  I am so proud of the example Joplin portrayed in the days, weeks, months following the tornado.  I am also amazed at the fingerprints of God around this community.....before, during and after.  He working and preparing even before the storm.  (In details like Missouri Southern State University signing a deal with the Red Cross to be a certified shelter just weeks before the storm.  And even having 3 different Christian music concerts in Memorial Hall--which was used that night as the main triage.)  It's awsome to think He orchestrated all of that in advance.  There are still unanswered questions.  And lots of pain. I'm not sure why some stayed and some were taken, but HE WAS THERE and HE STILL IS HERE.  He is the God of this city.  We are pround to call Joplin home.