As the sun sits in a cloudless sky today, it bares no resemblance to the sky of last week. Last week many of us experienced rain and wind like we have never seen. We became isolated from our world as many of us struggled to find the normal that was just beyond our grasp. And, yet, today, things are slowly returning to normal, for some of us, which prompts me to present a few thoughts.

In the midst of our recovery, the world went on, which prompts a question: what did we see and what did we learn? Well, here are a few lessons I learned. The government is not God and cannot be seen as supernal, especially when it comes to natural disasters. As much as things change, they do stay the same. If you think you have it bad all you need to do is look over at your neighbor. At the end of the day, we all have too much stuff! And, finally, if you need help and ask for it, someone will reach out and give you a hand.

I am very thankful to live where I live. I have a great church, great neighbors and a great school. Yes, the government is made of people just like me, but they have risen to the challenge and I am thankful for them. I am not concerned about their party or ideology; I am only concerned about their concern for the citizens who elected them, and at the end of the day, all I can ask them to do is their best.

Government is made of people, and whether you are red or blue … I hope you will agree that when it comes to people, despite our wishes, people are pretty much the same. So, what have I noticed about government lately. Well, the more things change the more they stay the same. The idea of government solving all of your problems is probably not a good thought and an even worse plan for the future. You see the government is not a for-profit entity. It makes no product and therefore makes no money. All it does is spend your money.

The problem I have seen in goverment in the last 5-7 years is a growing incompetency. Before you get upset, this growing incompetency is not confined to red or blue; it is purple and applies to both sides of the aisle. Let stop before going too far and ask this question: what produces excellence? I mean if you had to guarantee excellence how would you do it? I know what my answer is, but what is yours? Think about it for a minute, and if your answer is government then point me to excellence produced by government. I am not sure you can, but it’s not their fault. It’s our fault.

What produces excellence? Where do you find it? Here is a hint: Find an example of excellence, any example and go backwards until you determine what produces it. My next post will give you my answer, but I would love to get your answers! Leave them in the comments!

So, what truths have I learned in the midst of tragedy. Well, here are a few!

1. Science is no more the answer than it was 50 years ago.
2. Meteorologists are never wrong(What’s the difference between partly cloudy and partly sunny?).
3. There is always hope!
4. During times of tragedy, we learn quickly who people are.
5. Blaming this storm on global warming is lazy science. It is impossible to determine the cause of anything in the midst of tragedy.
6. There is something to be said of a good neighbor!
7. Churches are always there filling the gap in times of tragedy.

What have you learned? I would love to hear your thoughts! I believe we learn from each other. The path to right thinking is full and occupied! Let’s learn and think together. Until next time …