I'm thankful that on Friday night at the manse a small wet patch in the garage due to poor exterior drainage was the sum total of water inundation in the actual building. However this rather lopsided tree succumbed to the ground saturation and wind early on. As you can see the root system is weak. However, in the Kiwi slang we could say it's 'pretty well rooted.' Go figure...anyway, more firewood for me.
Observe also in the background Seine Rd., which lived up to its namesake the mighty river on Friday night, feeding into the Nile down the hill. There's a warning right there in the names I guess.
The flooding is unprecedented for Auckland, and presents another test of resilience on top of the Covid season for many. However, it is also an opportunity to serve and provide help and hospitality where we are able. I have heard a number of stories of water inundation where people's main source of assistance was the neighbours. It's good to hear.
I offered a dry place to stay on Friday night for a family who were flooded out from the Knightsbridge Rd. area. They were able to bring mattresses and slept in the church basement room. This Sunday we offer hospitality and welcome to Brown's Bay Presbyterian members, whose premises were badly inundated in the deluge. It is a privilege to share ministry and fellowship for this season of need. These are two small acts of love in the big picture.
Jesus said; 'By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’ (John 13:35) Let our awareness of this sign of God's kingdom increase, as we journey together.
My prayer for today is the prayer of Apostle Paul; 'I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.' (Eph 3:16-17)
Let us together grow deeper roots into the love of Jesus Christ to withstand any coming storm of a physical or spiritual nature, as the Holy Spirit gives us strength and courage.