The cars are sheltered, fridge is full, and all outdoor furniture has been moved inside. All known, necessary preparations have been made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I write this, Hurricane Ian is slowly but steadily creeping our way. It\u2019s a very fluid situation with much embedded uncertainty, but the current projections have the Category 3 \u2014 soon to be 4 \u2014 storm making landfall in Florida on Wednesday. We are inland somewhat \u2014 which minimizes the storm surge. Massive winds, rain and flooding are still expected. Allow me to rephrase; consequential damage is expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gov. DeSantis has declared a state of emergency. Schools are closed. Disney is closing\u2026 Publix soon, as well. The water has been depleted from the stores\u2019 typically plentiful shelves. I\u2019m assuming the toilet paper is gone, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let me first share prayers of safety for all in harm\u2019s way. God be with you. Near or far. These storms are nothing to mess around with. They are significant and dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But let me second share briefly what I appreciate today\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today was different. I mean, I\u2019ll be honest; most days in Florida are pretty good. There\u2019s just something about sunshine and warmth that seems to positively impact the mood of those around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But today was different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sure, there were plans made and closures announced and lots of last minute store runs and scavenger hunts for the water and toilet paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there was more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People were out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were talking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were more out getting their last typically daily walks in, knowing such will be hard to make happen in the next 72 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were more out on the streets and sidewalks, just breathing in a bit before the rain begins to fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And amidst those walks and talks and impromptu gatherings on the sidewalks and streets, there were well wishes\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBe safe\u2026 take care\u2026 Need anything? Let me know\u2026 You have my cell, right?\u2026 Text, call if something goes wrong\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words today was a manifestation of authentic community that we sometimes take for granted\u2026 that we don\u2019t always see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn\u2019t matter that to each we encountered this day there are different perspectives on the economy, on abortion, on crime and immigration. Let me repeat: it doesn\u2019t matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today was a day where community mattered most. And we knew it and saw it and it was beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As I pen and soon post, I just glanced outside once more. The rain has begun. Just a sprinkle for the moment, friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But we will weather the storm, knowing there is something that always means more\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blessings\u2026 and a special shout out to those impacted by Ian\u2026 yes, blessings, indeed\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The cars are sheltered, fridge is full, and all outdoor furniture has been moved inside. All known, necessary preparations have been made. As I write this, Hurricane Ian is slowly but steadily creeping our way. It\u2019s a very fluid situation with much embedded uncertainty, but the current projections have the Category 3 \u2014 soon to … <\/p>\n