Two years ago, we had a tree fall on our home during a high windstorm. It wasn’t on any ordinary night, though. We had just finished decorating, organizing, and cleaning our entire home for our daughter’s first birthday party the very next day. I should mention, the day before we lost our air conditioning, but someone nice came out and fixed it for free. So, as we were downstairs with our daughter, we heard the big crash, and my husband heard water coming into the house. The top of a pine tree came down on our roof and a huge branch broke through about five feet into our home in a hallway closet. My husband had to go outside, and as best he could, put up a tarp in the middle of the night. We were in shock but kept doing all we could to get things done. Soaking up water, putting buckets down to catch any new water coming in. It was a mess to clean up and fix up, too.

The next day, my husband’s parents came over early since they were planning on coming for the birthday party anyways. My husband, his dad, and brother cleaned up the entire yard! When guests started to arrive, my husband and his dad were on the roof with a chainsaw, cutting up a giant tree! What a sight that was!

We still had the birthday party! All the decorations, food, and the rest of the house were untouched, and cleaned, and ready for the party. Thank God!

We put on a new roof and had to redo our hallway entry and upstairs closet. We had our tree removal guys take down the tree, which really opened our backyard. I thank God for keeping us safe that night in our basement.

When we needed a new coat rack, I decided to get one that we can store items on the top. This time I wanted a reminder of what God had done for us that night. Keeping us safe during the storm. Also, a reminder to give thanks even during the storm. Galatians 5:22 is a good reminder of our connection to the Holy Spirit and all that we can be. Good. I thrive to have the best mindset each day.

Dealing with home insurance calls and multiple quotes from multiple areas of work was no fun task. It was something I hope we never have to go through again. It is a huge reminder of how fragile life is, but to stay thankful, humble, and love Jesus. Jesus left the ninety-nine to get the one astray. Each event in my life happens for a reason. Sometimes, we may not understand why, but we must trust in God’s plan.

We have one more piece of trimming on our floor to finish up, and then the hallway will be finished. I forgot that we had all new plank flooring put in too, as well as two new light fixtures.

This experience has also reminded me of the rainbow after a storm. God kept us safe and helped us rebuild what was damaged. It has taken almost a year after the event to finish up all the updates. I am grateful God kept us safe. I am grateful we still were able to celebrate our daughter’s first birthday party with family and friends. I’m grateful we got an entirely new roof. I’m grateful we got to replace all that was damaged inside. We lost everything in that closet, but the items are not important. Our families are. There’s always something to be grateful for. In my life, I’m grateful for everything.

Galatians canvas found here https://amzn.to/4heuPvw
Shelf found here https://amzn.to/3Fx5kIG
Jesus artwork found at Havenlight

Blessings!