Psalm 84:5-7
And how blessed all those in whom you live, 
whose lives become roads you travel; 
They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, 
discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! 
God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, 
and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view! (MSG)

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How does God express himself in this world? One of his best works is demonstrating his character and attributes through people like you and me. 

The place we vacationed last week was filled with birds. Wild chickens roamed freely. One even found her way into our room when someone left the screen door open. A mother hen with five little chicks gobbled up the crumbs from my early morning snack that was smashed into crumbs in transit. 

Someone fed the pigeons once. A hundred or more await atop the building where we stayed for more feedings. Mina birds from India and lovely doves make their homes there on the grounds. 

One mother dove laid her eggs in shrubbery near the office building. Each time we passed, she attempted to draw us away from her nest by pretending to be injured and then flying away when we got too close for comfort. She was beautiful to behold. 

Walking the path on one of our last mornings in that beautiful place, I discovered that beautiful bird dead on the ground, steps away from her nest. Someone had stomped her with their heel, crushing the life out of her. The anger arising in my heart wanted justice and revenge. 

Walking the path in reverse on our last morning there, I found her forlorn mate sitting near where she had died. This mourning dove only glanced my way. He didn’t fly away. He didn’t move. He, too, could have been crushed as easily as his lifelong mate. 

The anger and grief this made me feel were too intense for words. While pondering my feelings and contemplating how to pray about this painful event, I heard the first news of the floods in Texas and about the lives lost. Little doves and lifelong mates likewise perished. As we prepared for our journey home, the number of lives lost was devastating. Upon arriving home, we discovered many more had been added to the total.

How does God express himself at times like these? Through people like you and me who become his hands and feet in rescue and recovery, who provide merciful and compassionate care, and who weep with those who weep. 

Every story is a heartbreak. Each loss devastates the worlds of those left behind. 

Years ago, a similar event took the lives of another group of young people returning from camp in that same area. Then, as now, some were rescued by helicopter from trees where they held on for dear life. Two of my cousins were among those saved. Some of their dearest friends were lost. What awful memories they must be processing again just now. 

Mr. Rogers famously talked to children and their parents about how to think about times like this. He said in his kind and simple manner, “Look for the helpers.” 

Each one of us can become a helper. We can provide resources to groups like Texans On Mission ([https://www.texansonmission.org/disaster-relief/](https://www.texansonmission.org/disaster-relief/)). We can volunteer with this ministry and others like them who provide search and rescue services, who provide meals, showers, and laundry care for those who are working in recovery operations, and who provide comfort and counsel to those experiencing such devastating loss. 

Our lives become the roads God travels to provide kind service and loving care.

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I will open my life to care for those experiencing devastating loss in whatever manner I can by God’s grace and with his compassion.

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Our Father, we are at a breaking point as we see so much loss. Empower us to help, to serve, and to provide hope and compassionate care. Use us and the resources you have entrusted to us to provide what care we can. May our hands be many, our words be few, and our tears form the kinds of prayers you always hear. Amen.