What an amazing couple of days. Something to ponder.

Sometimes in early Summer the onset of rapid change is a part of life in OZ.

I hope I share this as an encouragement to us all. Let’s give THANKS to the LORD for this new day!

Emotions I have experienced.

Shaken! Inspired! Overwhelmed! Anxious!

Settled….Contented……Peaceful….

I have felt INCREDIBLY aged and also Childlike

This is the mix I would like you to imagine……..

Visitors ..Our youngest son his wife and two young children……… (young pleased we were still alive. Lots of old grandparents….die) they shared. with us.

They came with their tent……. camping and self-sufficiency……… their aim.

They set up their camp when they arrived, It was very sunny and a hot day.

Next day a car journey for them to pick up a trailer, became an eight hour ordeal…..road closures and accident but also weather deterioration. Lots of water and even hail in some areas delayed traffic.

For us during their absence a violent storm settled right above. The thunder shook the house, terrified the little dog, and the wind tore at the tent awaiting family’s return. David managed to anchor ropes etc. It was violent and stunningly beautiful at the same time. Lightening flashes seared the sky.

Then, the power went OFF. Not unusual in storm season but petrol for back up generator was not available.

Family came back to total darkness except for candles and one solar lamp, We had no running tap water…..Pump has an electric connection.

We did have lots of stored water in containers and we have a gas stove with fully functioning oven etc.

The night was stormy, wet, but dinner was prepared by my daughter-in-law and son – a curried chicken and rice. Chinese and beautiful.

I lay on the bed with the terrified dog and three year old granddaughter . We told stories and this child’s gentle touch calmed the dog’s panic. We had times of concern as wind howled but also I realized the little girl had a rich imagination. Once again we went on journeys to fairyland in our sharing. I felt fragile and aged but a child almost in the same moment.

Davie was with his granddad but not sure where the were sheltered. David also was sorting out pans etc in the kitchen by candle light..

That incredible meal on our veranda while the rain and wind circulated was a striking contrast to when they arrived the day before,

We had then sat in the small pool and played active games. We also had a time of talking around a campfire.

This storm night was very different. However, the consensus was that the family would still sleep in the tent.

With umbrellas, up the hill to their camp site they trundled. I was amazed at the children’s eagerness.

David and I went off to our beds also. The rain fell but it was cooler – very very dark but strangely still about 1am,

It was as if the bush suddenly profoundly settled pleased with the rain that had refreshed.

Then the power came back! Suddenly sounds that were part of normal life returned. WOW!

Often our modern life has deafening sounds we are not aware of. (even the whirr of the water pump seemed LOUD) No wonder we must listen intengtly to hear God’s gentle whisper.

No wonder today I can look heavenwards and be grate for the Advent reading From Isaiah 32:2 Behold the Coming King

A King will reign in Righteousness, He will be as a HIDING PLACE in the Tempest. As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Help us Lord today to cling securely to YOU. For You Lord Christ are our anchor and our Rock in All of life’s changes and strife. A-men!