What Did You See?

By Mark Giles

I saw destruction this week.
Chaos, tears, devastation, brokenness.
I saw the brevity of life, the power of the unseen wind, and calamity that comes in an instant.

But I also saw Hope.
Rescue workers searching for survivors and parents praying for the return of their young ones.
Radio stations across the country sending gift cards, supplies, water, prayers and love.

Joy in the eyes of an elderly woman who found her dog under a pile of rubble.
Mercy in the form of the Salvation Army, Red Cross and Convoy of Hope.
Peace in the midst...and the aftermath....of the storm.

It's easy to see the demolished houses, wrecked businesses and tragic losses of life.
But a little harder to focus on what lies just beyond the tragedy.

Grace that extends beyond what we can visualize, touch and feel.
Blessings that cannot be burnt, destroyed, demolished or blown away.
The things we truly hold dear, priceless, treasured and irreplaceable.

I saw Love reaching across racial, political and social barriers.
And it made me proud of my brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues.
It renewed a vigor to serve with passion and not take my next breath for granted.

But that's just my perspective.
What did you see?