On our way to Springfield we saw that we would go by the outskirts of Joplin so we decided to get off the main road and to drive around the inner skirts of Joplin. At first there was nothing to see, but then as drove up to the top of the hill right before us as far as our eyes could see was total and complete destruction. It really was breath taking and heart breaking at the same time. The only tornado I am use to is the one that hit Fort Worth about eleven years ago; there was damage but there wasn't a wipe out. What we saw looked as if a bulldozer came through and flatened everything in a one mile wide and six mile long area. What broke my heart the most was to see children's toys and people's belongings scattered around and at some houses you would see a small pile of belongings in front of what use to be there house. How does one start over? I could imagine how overwhelming it could be to stand in front of your house and see that it is totally gone except the foundation, and knowing that somehow someway you need to start over.
I guess you do it with any other challenge that we face in life, no matter how small or how big it is all the same. You do it one step at a time only concentrating on your current step and not the other steps before you. With each step we need to remember our Savior Jesus Christ knowing that in the Garden he suffered for our pains and griefs and with a open hand extended He is there ready and willing to help us climb and accomplish each step.
My heart goes out to the people of Joplin. While there we saw groups helping with clean up, we saw people at their homes gathering what they could and sorting through the mess. It sure puts in perspective that things are things and should not cloud over what matters most. After that experience I wanted to hold my children a little closer and a little tighter, to not get frustrated easily, and create more moments that bring us together; because after all my family I get to keep for eternity my things stay here.
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