Yesterday afternoon found Brad and me running errands and collecting supplies in case Hurricane Sandy wrecks havoc on our lives. Several times throughout the afternoon I found myself asking, “Really?  Another hurricane?”  Hurricane Irene is still fresh in my mind.

Large flats of batteries and flashlights filled the front section of Lowe’ s.  One worker told us that already all of their generators were sold out and the 100 they received were sold before they even left the back of the truck.  The lines at the gas station were longer and if you listened closely to the conversations of fellow shoppers the approaching storm dominated the talk.

Generally, I try to avoid making bargains with God such as, “God, if you cause this storm to go in a different direction I will pray even more fervently to you.” But I find myself tempted to go in this direction.  I don’t want to take cold showers for a week. I don’t want to stumble through a dark house. I don’t want tree limbs going through my roof.

The Lectionary readings for this calendar year include the book of Job. This past week I listened to fellow colleague give a wonderful Chapel message about God’s response to Job after Job has been hounding God with questions.  Job receives his answer, and it shuts him right up.  God’s response makes me shut up too when I am tempted to complain about my possible inconveniences.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while all the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” –Job 38: 4-7

Okay, God, hurricane or no hurricane, who am I to question your plans? Have you not cared for me and my family faithfully in the past? Will you not continue to do so?