November 13, 2024
Stop and breathe.
I recently made a trip to Waimea for a visit to my dermatologist. You may recall that Monday, because the weather was terrible: medium rain followed by torrential rain which made one grateful for the medium rain again. The National Weather Service recorded nearly 4 and three quarter inches of rain that day.
It made for some miserable driving.
I came home by way of Honoka’a to pick up some medicinal malasadas (OK, they’re not medicinal, but I definitely wanted a treat). At the counter I asked for a cup of coffee as well, which I intended to drink in the car. Leaving the building, I paused on the covered lanai and decided to wait a moment for the downpour to subside. I pulled out a chair, sat in it, and sipped my coffee.
When the rainfall eased, I stayed in the chair.
Beneath the next table two chickens also waited out the rain. One or the other ventured out occasionally and returned to the shelter of the roof. I drank my coffee.
When the storm is at hand, take the opportunities to pause, refresh, and renew. They may be sparse and they may be brief, so they are precious and important. Stop. Breathe. Watch the chickens.
Eventually, of course, I finished my coffee, stepped into the rain, and drove home through downpour. It was miserable driving.
I was so grateful for the pause.
In peace,
Pastor Eric
PS: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE plan to attend the All Membership Meeting on November 17. We need everyone who can appear there in person or via Zoom to do our work. Mahalo nui loa!
