. . . for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal. II Cor. 4:18
On coming to our farm for the summer months, we later learned of the fire on August 8th of horrible destruction to the town of Lahaina, Maui, our beloved home and work area for the last 20 years. Although we live 6 miles from the fire area and our place was safe, we were in a state of grief and helplessness as we sought ways to hear from friends and send financial help. It was impossible, because electricity with television reporting, telephone, internet and mail service had ceased to those near the tragedy.
Six days afterward, when telephone usage was re-established. I finally got through to one of my close friends, though she was safe, she was basically isolated, with the only way to learn of the over all condition of the area and get help, was to get in her car and drive to areas open, which she did by driving another 6 miles north to a friend’s house and obtaining a small grill(not electric) to cook their food. All grocery stores were closed. many medical facilities burned.
After hearing of the further destruction and problems just to resume a normal living to all on the west side of the island, I begin to realize the many blessing I receive each day, often taking for granted the loving God who daily sends those gifts. Instead I have found myself concentrating on conditions in my life that aren’t exactly as I would prefer; how shallow and ungrateful. Then a wake up call, such as this tragedy reminds that all that we have can be taken in an instant, not only homes , jobs but family members as it has been to those in the Lahaina fire.
As I tried to digest the impact of this sadness, I went to my garden for solace. As I viewed a bit of neglect in the last view weeks. I decided to thrush out the unwanted weeds threatening late summer blooms. Later gathering up debris to take to the dumpster, I noticed I mistakenly had uprooted a healthy bulb and its foliage was damaged beyond help. I’m sure it had blossomed in its time and was now laying waste among the rubble. I tenderly picked it up, examined it to see if it was still usable. It was. Immediately I started preparation to plant it in a special spot to resume it’s life cycle of blooming splendor. The thought struck me, it doesn’t look like much now, but one day it will again. Then assurance came abruptly: That’s the way it will be with Lahaina! There is a aloha spirit of love and survival there. Yes, what once was- is gone, but the root to sustain life is there. II Cor. 5:1 says it well.
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. They will again build their houses and businesses and they will mourn their losses. It will be painful and it will take time, but with the stalwart of faith and belief in a future here and eternal, they will be successful. Why? Because, Hawaiians will be the first to tell you, "There will always be a rainbow."
