As I look at Lake Tyler through the windows of our lake house, the impact of the 2011 drought is astounding. The lake is at least 6 feet low by my estimate. The channel coming up into our yard is dry and grass has taken root. Saturday afternoons usually feature the sounds of people on the water - today it is very quiet. We pulled our boat out of the lake two weeks ago as we were afraid it would be stranded - suspended over dry lakebed until the lake recovers.
But the drought's impact goes far beyond the lake level. Trees are stressed and dying. Yards are dried up. Air conditioners are breaking down and electric bills are hitting record levels for many of us. Texas agriculture has lost $5.2 Billion so far according to news reports I read yesterday.
I stopped by Brookshire's in Whitehouse TX this morning and everybody was talking excitedly about the rain that fell in the area yesterday. They were describing where they were, what it looked like, how it felt and how it refreshed their yards just a little bit. And that got me to thinking. How often have I complained about a rainy day interrupting my well-devised plans? Or about the boats speeding to and fro with music blaring? Or about the work involved in having to maintain two yards? Right now I would give anything to have these so-called "problems". If there is a silver lining for me in this drought, it is in the reminder that God is good and I should be thankful at all times under all circumstances. The drought will end and the lake will recover - and God will reign forever.
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