Polar and vortex are two words that I would guess were not in your daily vernacular prior to 2014. Now they are conversation starters with friends, neighbors and even total strangers. By some reports the advent of extreme cold across such a large portion of the country may shape up to be the single largest insurance event, superseding even Katrina and Sandy. While losses are not nearly as catastrophic, the damage is vast as it has occurred from Minneapolis, MN to Naples, FL.

This has been unprecedented for Jenkins as well. In Water Mitigation we have been able to serve three times as many customers in January than any other month since we began offering the service. We've had the opportunity to help many folks in every location with frozen pipes, some even on our own staff! We've also had a large number of fires where we've been able to be of service. We are blessed indeed.

All of that translates to a very busy and sometimes stressful work environment. I believe it's worth acknowledging the diligence of our employees in working through the task at hand. Prioritizing what needs to be done is always a challenge and more so with the large influx of work. I recently attended a meeting where three principles were introduced and I think they are appropriate to share with our staff with our current load:

1. Sabbath Principle - you can not gain by effort what God does not chose to give by grace.
2. Tithing Principe - you can not gain by hoarding what God does not choose to give by grace.
3. Accountability Principle - It is hard to stay on a twisting road when there are no guard rails.

While I'm sure each of the above deserves at least an 8 week intensive study, I ponder these points as a reminder to keep Him in focus and allow Him to direct my efforts. He gives what we can manage. And no more.  I ask our employees to maintain a balance and ask for wisdom. And, I offer thanks.  For it is through Jenkins working as a whole that it all gets done!