One of the realities we face living in the region of the country that we do is that, with the beauty comes the likelihood that major storms are going to shake us from time to time. From high winds, severe thunderstorms, to floods, to hail storms, to tornados, to hurricanes, we face some challenges that the rest of the country rarely experiences in person. And yet, we stay.

Over the last two weekends, my family and many others have had the Opportunity to go to Panama City, Florida and provide a little bit of relief to those impacted by Hurricane Michael. I say Opportunity because, in spite of the costs to us (travel, time, energy, pain, sweat, poor sleep, etc.), the value of lifting burdens outweighed any expense to us. And, we were the beneficiaries of important lessons and reminders.

Many of the individuals we served were older adults, people who have ‘weathered’ the storms of life for many years beyond our own. Many had invested countless hours, days, years, and resources to create their perfect little worlds and felt secure in the comforts they had pieced together over lifetimes. But, with the few preparations that can be made and the intense prayers that accompany when disaster strikes, worlds are flipped over and solid souls are shaken.

Isn’t that how it is in life? It’s hard to prepare for many of life’s challenges. We attempt to prepare mentally for the reality that we can be exposed to danger, loss, hurt and disappointment. Yet, sometimes it takes us by complete surprise. Our worlds have changed and we initially see the investments (financial, safety, relationships, memories) with the perspective of, “I can’t understand what happened… How? Why? What now?”

Earlier I mentioned I had the opportunity to help with hurricane recovery. This is true because so many of those we assisted, though dismayed, pointed out this simple, profound truth, “this really taught us what really matters… yes, I’ve lost a lot but I figured out what I really want and need… and, it’s brought people together…” Though shaken, we learn that value is demonstrated by having the opportunity to live another day, to let go of the burdens of belongings, to focus on living in the present, to serve others in our own suffering, to redirect priorities, and to express gratitude to the source of our happiness daily.

These same families who had lost so much joined in helping their neighbors. They shared meals, cut trees, picked up debris, talked, listened, hugged, cried, laughed, and lifted. Perhaps, the hidden value of being shaken is that it can soften our hearts. It can help us see others in a light of human compassion; as we have experienced hurt, we then long to relieve it in others. Hence, the opportunity comes in each of us learning that by lifting the limbs of broken trees, we lift the limbs of broken souls, and find that our brokenness mends in the process.

Look for the opportunity in having been shaken. No, it’s not pleasant, but, then again, growth rarely has been a pleasant experience. We are who we are because of what we experience. Let it change you for the better! By the way, send a few extra prayers for those who need encouragement and may not know where to look for help! Your light can brighten their path from the comfort of where you are sitting right now! A wise man, Dieter Uchtdorf said, “By becoming the answer to someone’s prayer, we often find the answer to our own.”

Spencer Blalock, DHA, LCSW, BCD, is a clinical specialist with Senior Care – a service of Rush Health Systems. If you are a senior adult struggling with anxiety, depression or grief and/or are struggling with coping with daily living, Senior Care can offer help and hope. Call 601-703-4917 or look up http://www.rushhealthsystems.org/seniorcare for more information.