My prayers go out to some of the nicest and most wonderful people that I’ve ever met as a devasting fire has burned the coastal city Lahaina Maui to the ground. This morning the governor warns the death toll will be ‘significantly worse’ than the 1960 tsunami that killed 61: Cadaver dogs search for 1,000 missing, with 55 dead and counting. Neighborhoods and businesses have been razed to the ground, and vehicles burned to a crisp across the western side of the island as the wildfires cut off most roads out of Lahaina.
The town was one of Maui’s prime attractions, drawing two million tourists each year, or about 80 per cent of the island’s visitors. Now it is a desolate gutted, burned -out field of rubble.
I have visited Lahaina countless times and loved that neat little town and this island so much I very nearly moved to Maui when I retired. I have always loved Maui because the people are laid back and friendly, the island is gorgeous, and the weather is mostly perfect year-round.
Sadly that changed when a hurricane passed below the island but the tailwinds roared across the island with sustained winds of 40-50 and 80 mile an hour gusts that pushed the flames from a brush fire across the island at frightening speed. It ended up roaring through Lahaina. The heat was so intense that people began jumping in the ocean to escape.
Unfortunately there are still bodies floating in the harbor now.
I prayed for these people including visitors and residents and ask you to do the same. I read where one person stated that it came upon them so quickly that people didn’t have a chance. Many were killed when they tried to escape by vehicle.
My wife and I had been planning a trip to Maui this summer to escape the Mississippi heat but decided to skip it this year due to building our home and needing to stay close. I am very glad we did not go. The Bible tells us that there are no guarantees in life. I have been scowling and stalking around like a caged tiger roaring at the construction workers taking too much time with finishing my home. What a shame to waste what precious time I have left growling about such stupid things.
I read somewhere “If we climb high enough, we will reach a height from which tragedy ceases to look tragic.” Life can be short my friends, one never knows if this day will be our last. The Bible states as much and warns us to always be ready. Today I have renewed a pledge that I have had for over 50 years and that is to be thankful for each day with which I am blessed and live it to its maximum without allowing things to bother me. In other words, try to rise above it. There is no room for scowling and growling or moaning and groaning. Instead focus on the blessings.
Please join me in saying prayers for those who have lost everything in Maui. I pray the death toll will not keep climbing. Buildings can and will be rebuilt and I pray that it is a speedy process for those who have experienced tragedy. Lord comfort them now in their time of grief.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Have a great day and go to church this Sunday!