If you did not hear about the flooding this past August in Louisiana, you must live under a rock. It was all over the news, Baton Rouge was terribly flooded, Lafayette was flooded pretty badly too. Louisiana was practically underwater. My family had a beach trip planned around this time, we left early in the morning to try to miss some of the rain and flooding. Surprisingly, we made it past Lafayette and got to Livingston Parish. This is were it took a turn for the worse. We were in stand-still traffic for hours, after a few hours of not moving and listening to the radio my family came to the conclusion that we were officially stranded on I-12. Here are a few things I learned while being stranded on I-12.
1. God never leaves you or gives you something you cannot handle.
Being stranded is a stressful situation because you never know when you are going to get out. This gave me time to pray that my family will be out safe and sound, which did happen. God was looking after us and protecting us in this scary time.
2. It’s never a bad thing to pack a snack bag.
I’m the type of person that no matter how far away the trip is, I’m going to have a bag of snacks and drinks. You never know when a snack bag is needed. Hopefully now people won’t make fun of me for having a snack bag.
3. Being kind and generous can really get you a long way.
Some people that were stranded did not have much food, water or supplies. My family had enough since we were going on a trip. We gave a few kids some snacks and did what we could to help others. Jesus has taught us to help and serve others as we can.
4. Patience is seriously a virtue.
Being stranded was definitely a true test of my patience. We were never told when we were going to start moving, or what to do. Everyone had to be patient with the police and everyone working to help get us out. During this time it was important to stay calm and pray.
5. Family is the most important part of your life.
As teenagers, you thought your family was the most weird, annoying family ever, but as you get older you appreciate them more. You really appreciate them when they are there during a scary time. My family stayed calm and didn’t show how worried they were because they know that might freak my and my siblings out. We all stuck together, or at least in pairs, and made sure we eat enough and drank some. Families are the most important support system you can ever have. Trust me, one day you will truly appreciate them, even though they may get on your nerves.
Being stranded was definitely an experience, I realized how much little things I take for granted daily. Now I’m more appreciative of them, no matter how small. It also helped me see the power and grace of God. He is truly watching out for you and listening to your prayers. I never expected to get stranded, but in a weird way I’m glad I did.
