Affairs in order

Tornadoes, hail storms and straight line winds have a way of blowing a writer playing the role of an insurance adjuster off course – such has been the case with me for the past seven months. It seems like yesterday but it’s been seven months since I’ve written anything other than insurance claims.


Seven months of inspecting wrecked houses; water damage; blown off shingles and a whole lot of: “I want a new roof just cuz my neighbor got one.”

Much of the time it’s a rewarding occupation, helping folks who’ve been through a disaster. Other times it’s a wrestling match with greed.

In either case it can be all consuming. Working eighty to ninety hours a week leaves little time for anything else. And after several months I’ve found myself road weary.

And so, taking time off to help Grandma Mary get her affairs in order before another Minnesota winter was a welcome relief.

For a week I was weak. Just wanted to sit and stare at the lake. Rest, just wanted rest.

I watched the sun rise. I took pictures just before she crested the trees on the other side of the lake. First, an orange silhouette, then the glowing crown. And then, all of a sudden, just like that – in all of her glory, shining, dancing silver on the waves. Before I could snap another photo she had moved above the trees and started across the sky.

Amazing how fast she flies.

And then…I noticed the sun start her descent on the other side of the day. Before I could return with camera in hand she had already ducked behind the trees.

Amazing how fast she flies.

As fast as she goes it’s nice to know that tomorrow I’ll have another try, another chance to watch her fly, another chance to catch her rise and watch her dive.

Or will I?

Life’s tornadoes, hail storms and straight line winds have a way of blowing us off course. Of course – there’s always tomorrow…right?

My memory has a way of playing scenes with perfect timing – and this one just played:

Our inspection time at the little country church on the edge of town was specific; between 10:00 and 11:00.

Rain fell.

Canvas shelters were set on the hill in back of the church. One casket lowered.

Tears fell.

We didn’t know we were scheduled to look at tornado damage buildings between caskets being lowered for tornado victims.

Life - amazing how fast she flies.


Maybe Grandma Mary isn’t the only one in need of getting affairs in order before the dead of winter.


Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
If you'd like prayer or would like to talk please feel free to contact me direct at DougSpurling@aol.com
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