So many odd present things represent so much more than what may first catch the eye. For instance, in my most recent issue of the USPS Northeast Area Update was the following article; it speaks to me of so much more than what the author of it could have possibly intended:
You Will Not Be ShakenThe man said a mouthful, I think.Over the winter, we've experienced much of the varied weather that our planet can throw at us.
Heavy snows in Upstate New York, debilitating ice storms throughout New England and high winds caused problems for customers, distribution facilities, Post Offices and employee's homes.
Add to that list the threat of floods, tornadoes and hot weather coming up this spring and summer and you'll see a common thread emerging. Our customers and your coworkers are counting on you to do your job safely in all kinds of conditions.
Whether it comes through an informal safety talk or a full-fledged VPP application, recognizing million-miler drivers, saving a customer on the street or learning CPR in the workplace, the eyes of the Northeast Area are rightly focused on safety. It's who you are.
You work hard for the American public. You work safe because it's the right thing to do.
There will be many more storm clouds to come - that's the nature of the world we live in. And we're proving that not only do we have things under control, but we actually thrive when challenged....
When intense weather conditions or disaster strikes the resumption of mail delivery is the first sign that things are returning to normal. That safe performance of the postal work force inspires the awe, and gratitude, of the American public.
Resiliency is the hallmark of our service. That tenacity is what makes us stand out as an organization. That resolve is what makes me proud to work for the Postal Service.
~Timothy C. Haney, Acting Vice President, Northeast Area Operations
His Watchful Eyes~Basil, born into the family that included Gregory of Nyssa,
Bishop in the church of Caesarea; despite the persecution of Emperor Valens, he remained steadfastly loyal to his Lord."The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Beholding the evil and the good."
~Proverbs 15:3Animals are deprived of reason but still contrive to preserve themselves. For example, a fish knows what kind of food to look for and what to avoid. So, then, what can we say when we are honored with reason, instructed by law, encouraged by the promises, made wise by the Spirit, and still are less reasonable about our own affairs than fish? They know how to provide for the future, but we deny our hope and spend our lives in brutal indulgence. A fish travels the whole length of the sea to find what is good for it, but what about those of us who are constantly idle? ... Ignorance is no excuse. For there has been implanted in us natural reason. It tells us to identify ourselves with good and to avoid everything that is harmful....
Someone living near the sea said that the sea urchin, a little contemptible creature, often warns sailors of a coming calm or storm. When it sees a disturbance of the winds beforehand, it gets under a large stone, clings to it as if to an anchor, and tosses about in safety. The weight of the stone prevents it from becoming the plaything of the waves.... God has seen everything beforehand. He hasn't neglected anything. His eyes, which never sleep, watch over everything. He is present everywhere and gives to each being the means to preserve itself.
~excerpted from Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers: Selected Readings for Reflection;
compiled and edited by C.D. Hudson, J.A. Sharrer, and L. Vanker
I agree... It seems that when mail delivery resumes things are getting back on track.
The weather in and around Oswego, NY was devastating. Eleven feet from lake effect, how can you deliver mail when you can’t see the houses and or mail boxes.