That’s the news article my phone suggested to me this afternoon. And I get it. Searching and consuming news and videos and forecasts around Milton have been a regular part of the last week. But today, I just don’t care. It’s over the ocean somewhere. It’s dissipating. Bye, Milton. Now I just want to know what it left behind and move on. One of the changes the storm underwent on Wednesday was its movement speed. It beat the more recent landfall estimates by several hours and swept across the state quickly. And while speaking with others here in Bonita Springs and elsewhere means I know better than to make light of it, to pretend this was not a significant storm for many, I couldn’t help but think as it moved quicker than anticipated, “let’s get this over with”, and then this morning, “good riddance.” So enough about Milton, let’s move on to what’s next. And for me, that’s the following: If you have needs, let us know. Today, tomorrow, or in the coming week, if you need help clearing debris, find yourself short food or water or something else, or just need a warm shower before your power comes back, let us know. Of those I’ve spoken to, I’m aware of two things: that you are generally okay and that, compared to me, you are more experienced and capable of weathering these storms (pardon the pun). But if you need something, please ask. If I can help, I will, and if I can’t, I will find a way to get you that help. Families look out for one another, and First Bonita is one of your families. We will worship together on Sunday. Though it fared well in the storm, thanks in no small part to those who helped prepare the property, as of Thursday the church does not have power. So while I make no guarantees for slides, amplification, lights, or even air conditioning, I can guarantee that we will gather for worship, and that you are welcome to join us. For those that worship with us online, we will try to offer something for you this Sunday and ask for your patience since so much of what is possible depends on elements outside our control. Others need prayer, support, and rest. And so do you. We will continue to prepare flood buckets in support of those in need in the coming weeks. We will continue to pray for those affected by Helene and Milton, many of whom continue to experience their devastating consequences. And, I pray, each of us will not dismiss our own need for rest and support and prayer in the coming days. I’m tired. I doubt I’m the only one. But when I wondered why, I knew it wasn’t just the added physical exertions of storm shutter installations and other prep work, it was the emotional stress of watching a major storm creep towards us all week. Of the unknowns for myself, for our congregation, for my family. And maybe that’s another part of being less experienced with this than many of you, or maybe it’s just a gift that I recognize it enough to claim it. But either way, I encourage you to care for yourself in the midst of this. Rest, breathe, pray, meditate. Allow yourself the time you need to recover. All my love to you. Prayers continue for each of you, and I hope you will let me know if there are other ways I and First Bonita can support you. Grace and Peace be with us. Ben | 
