These photos show a before and after view of our new town, Athens, Alabama. The first time I visited the town square, I knew I was home. I felt a deep connection to this place, but didn’t know why. Later I learned that my great grandmother was born in Alabama, about 100 miles from here.
100-year-old Oak Tree
One distinguishing feature of the Athens Town square is the 100-year-old oak tree that you can see in the first photo. It was so beautiful, I took several photos of it that day. (Dec 16, 2024) The building is the Limestone County Courthouse.
Limestone County Courthouse
6 weeks later, Dec. 28, that tree was totally uprooted by a tornado. We had gone to sleep the night before, knowing there were tornado warnings, but had no idea it would hit less than 2 miles from our new home! The whole town square was in disarray, with debris all over the roads and sidewalks. Buildings and trees nearby were damaged, while one bookstore had its entire roof blown off.
I have since learned that most Southern towns have a town square, with shops and offices surrounding it. It’s the gathering place of the community. This historic town square was something that attracted me to Athens, when we were researching places to move to.
Going Back to the Scene
As soon as it was safe, I wanted to get back and take a photo from the same angle of the courthouse with the missing tree. That proved difficult for many reasons. It was freezing cold, and very windy. There was a police car in my way, and roadblocks and other barriers prevented me from standing in the same place as the first photo. So, you will have to use your imagination a little. That’s what this blog is all about anyway.
For your contemplation:
Think of the two scenes and what it means to fully appreciate and absorb a scene or your surroundings. Even though it looks permanent, it could change dramatically. Practice looking deeply.
Pray for the people affected by this tornado who are still struggling, and for people in other disasters.
Remember that we can have peace in the storms of life. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
As I write this….
As I write this, we are under a severe weather watch for snow that could keep us from going anywhere for a while, and could cut off power. Plus, there are wildfires raging though California, where we just came from, and still have many friends and family. I have used the techniques below to keep my mind clear and able to focus.
How to keep your peace in disasters:
These are things I learned while being evacuated due to wildfires, being isolated in COVID lockdown, and being without water and power after a fire.
Box Breathing – breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Repeat at least 10 times, or till you feel calmer. (This technique is used by emergency responders and Navy Seals)
4,7,8 Breathing – I do this one every day, but it’s more complicated to explain. Look it up or ask me for details.
Reading Psalms – Psalm 27 is a good place to start. There is a song based on that psalm that has been very comforting for me, from the New Scottish Hymns. Listen on YouTube HERE
Walking You can even walk around in the house if you can’t go outside. Walking has been shown to reduce depression in many studies.
Practicing self-compassion Learn more from author Dr. Kristin Neff HERE
