A Messy October

 

Colorful leaves are blowing in the wind making a mess everywhere. Temperatures are dropping and I am halfway through sorting and packing spring clothes.  My son, Michael, is helping me sort and clean out my office so that I can get some writing done.  In other words, much of the house is in turmoil.

 

Last Monday, Charles found a leak in the downstairs bathroom ceiling. We called in a plumber who discovered the leak in the upstairs washing machine.  He fixed the hose and suggested we call a restoration company to repair the wet walls and floorboards.  Since Friday, we have had fans and dehumidifiers blowing at high speed, creating a lot of heat and noise.  We headed to the other side of the house to sleep in the guest room to stay away from the mess. Two out of three bathrooms are inoperable, and the guest bath is small.  Somehow, we are managing but the turmoil keeps piling up. The restoration team came in to check results, and the equipment will remain in place three more days.

With the election just a week away, the news reports reflect a country in turmoil.  From people being attacked in road rallies in New York City to the 24-hour debate on the Senate floor trying to derail the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, dissenters are losing their battle. Their desire to create more election week turmoil seems to be running out of steam.

 Fall weather is wreaking havoc across the country with ice and snowstorms in the Plains and another hurricane churning up the water in the Gulf of Mexico—eventually heading to the LA/MISS coast. One of the busiest hurricane seasons ever.  The winds accompanying the storms are feeding the fires in Northern California, whipping them into a frenzy as they continue to destroy property.

And, of course, we have Covid 19 which is surging in many states and effecting the stock market and economy.  The weeks leading up to a vaccine are putting everyone to the test.

A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty is the definition for turmoil. That describes life in our home and the USA today. Living in a state of turmoil and mess requires patience and an inner peace that passes all understanding.  There is only one place I know of to find that inner peace.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The following quotes from the Bible will steady my mind and heart as I wait for the turmoil to cease.  I pray these verses will do the same for you.

 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7