Strength comes from adversity

Waiting for Alfred

This month my part of the world experienced a cyclone. Last time a cyclone made landfall this far south (in Queensland, Australia) was seventy years ago. Not unprecedented, but not common.

Adrenaline-filled memories returned of the tornado we were smashed by on Christmas evening 2023.

It was a stressful time of waiting. The news channels provided continuous updates as the event unfolded, schools and businesses closed, and the supermarket shelves were cleaned out.

At worst, Tropical Cyclone Alfred would have hit directly in line with our home as a Level 2, and been highly destructive as it made its way inland to our mountain home. Fortunately we had time to prepare, move all items undercover and tape up the windows.

Alfred lingered offshore, held at bay by anxious prayers as he made up his mind where to proceed. Eventually, he decided to dawdle up the coast and come to land as only a tropical storm.

In the end, Alfred delivered a week of heavy rain and high winds, causing flooding and property damage for many. We got off lightly with lots of tree branches down, some leaks in the house and no power for four days. Could have been far worse.

The gifts of Alfred? Resilience training, stress management practice and some impressive community bonding. Interstate and overseas relatives and friends checking in on us. Neighbours offering help and an encouraging word. Volunteers coordinating cups of tea and hot showers at our newly-built community centre.

While not wanting another Alfred in a hurry, I was mindful of how we grow from the hard times. Strength from adversity, maturity from testing, wisdom from experience.

In truth, too much comfort can be our enemy.