How does one handle ‘survivors guilt’?
We just completed a great week at the Ukunda Missions School. Vaughn and I and his leadership team are in a two day planning retreat at Chale Island. The setting is beautiful and God is moving us into clarity and unity about next steps.
But then I hear from Ruth and read on line about the historic snow storm back home. I am writing this at 3 am as the waves at high tide crash against the shore, spraying me with their mist. This spot is perfect but I struggle to be present to the beauty of this moment for my mind and heart are back in the States at a home alone Old Hershey Road.
Will Ruth and everyone else be safe? She says they are fine. She will wait till tomorrow to determine if the snow blower will work properly. I am believing God for everyone’s safety.
So should I delight that I have escaped the biggest snow storm of the last 100 years or should I feel some vaugue mixture of guilt that I am not home, mixed with regret that I will never be able to say, “I lived through the Storm of 2016.”
Whatever I should feel, I do feel something of all of the above.
I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13:
“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content….For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
So thank God, He enables us to enjoy Him whether we are in a blizzard or on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
theexpandingshrink 