Unmerited favor

It?s almost mind-boggling that Marion County absorbed so little damage during the surge of tornadic activity Saturday night and into Sunday morning. At varying stages of the evening?s storm coverage, the tornado that ultimately sliced diagonally across our county was variously described as bearing down on Goessel, then Hillsboro and Lehigh and finally Lost Springs before moving beyond our borders. Miraculously, the twister avoided all four communities.

Our hearts go out to several rural residents, such as the Ecklunds, who sustained significant damage. We trust that neighbors have offered comfort and support in these past days because that?s what folks around here do.

As the rest of us breathe a sigh of relief and speak prayers of gratitude for our protection, it?s appropriate to remember that we can?t take credit for our good fortune. None of us have ?earned? this blessing because of our innate worthiness. We are beneficiaries of consummate mercy, that mysterious favor extended to us by a Power far greater than ourselves. ?DR

More from Hillsboro Free Press
Engagements (July 18, 2012)
Howard, Schmidt plan to wed Nov. 17 Mark and Linda Howard of...
Read More