I’m writing this blog entry on day three of the Hurricane Ida aftermath (2021). This has been the biggest storm to hit Louisiana in years, and I’m so grateful that my family and I are alive to tell the story.

Just from reading the title, you’re probably wondering: What is she talking about? Isn’t it the other way around? Shouldn’t you get out of the kitchen if you can’t stand the heat? I wanted to put my own little spin on this popular phrase.

As I’m sitting here in our living room, writing by hand and sweating profusely, I’ve had an epiphany. There’s been no sign of any Entergy workers in the area, so there’s no telling when the electricity will be restored. Employees from the parish came out to fix the damage at the water tower, but our water supply disappeared just as quickly as it was restored. Thankfully, we have bottled water to use for hygiene and hydration, yet we know our stockpile won’t last forever. Even amid these inconveniences, I can honestly say that I’m ready for more. I’m prepared to wait this thing out, no matter how long it takes.

I’ve heard multiple people complain about the heat, but I welcome it with open arms. I understand that it’s a part of the process—the restoration process. I won’t run from it or fear it. Of course, there are temporary solutions to help battle the scorching heat. However, I know the real fix will happen when a permanent solution arises. Because only God knows when that will be, all I can do is wait it out and hope for a breeze.

If you’ve ever baked a cake, or any dessert for that matter, then you know how precise you must be throughout the whole process. You need to mix the right ingredients with the right measurements and the right techniques, then bake that precise mixture in the right pan at the right temperature for the right amount of time. Just think about how much heat and energy must be expelled during the baking process to get the right consistency and texture for your dessert. Even then, most desserts won’t be ready to serve until they’re cooled. Think about how freshly baked cakes appear to be too high then fall to the perfect height after they’ve cooled. Once the heat is gone, you’re free to decorate the cake or to eat it as is, the perfect reward for waiting out the process.

As you await the next phase of your life, be careful not to abandon the process just because it seems a little difficult. Because you know that baking a cake produces a satisfying reward, you wouldn’t give up in the middle of the process. So why would you give up in the middle of your own? Regardless of the heat, you know you’ve got to get in the kitchen to make that cake a reality. The same ideology applies when you’re working to create the best version of yourself.

And . . . you must be very careful what you wish for. Before I could finish this post, the heat got even hotter (my father became overheated). Even in the midst of a scary situation, I remained calm and trusted in God enough to know I was doing the right thing by calling for help. I’m so glad I did. In that terrifying moment, I still knew that everything would be okay, and it will be. 

While there are so many questions that have yet to be answered, I know that they will be, eventually. I’ll be savoring the sweet taste of my perfectly crafted cake in due time. All I have to do is wait.

 

Confess with Me: I can stand the heat. I was built to withstand it.