Our air conditioning went out. It teased us with lesser complaints for several weeks and then presented a burned-out blower motor – an expensive, slow repair and right during our nasty heat-wave.

After one horrendously sultry night at home, we were extremely grateful to move in with my sister-in-law! We expect to be here at least four days. How wonderful it is to have family nearby with room for us! And to have the resources to get the AC repaired and to live where technicians and parts are available!

We have been uncomfortable and inconvenienced. Even with my husband’s and son’s medical challenges, we have managed the situation well and we will be back at home in a few days.

This is the lens through which I watch the video coverage of fires, floods, wars – homes razed to the dirt, apartments shattered by explosives, families struggling to survive in basements, cars, tents, and worse. Such is the stuff of disaster!

Human suffering is not a contest and there is no award for loss and grief. Recognizing the difference between inconvenience and disaster is important in assessing our own situations, and in determining how we respond to our neighbors’ challenges.

May we all view clearly the events of our lives, and may each of us face few disasters and manage our inconveniences as gracefully and patiently as we can!

In wisdom and grace,
Rev. Ruth