Ending the dry spell

We are in such ironic times these days:  we are all praying for the rains so as to avoid an impending disaster brought about by the continuous dry spell that would definitely ruin the rice fields and all the other crops as well as create havoc to our water supply and electricity.
And yet, just some 6, 7, 8 months ago, we prayed that the rains would stop hammering our region as we were then totally devastated by typhoons Milenyo and Reming to which we attributed so much destruction to human lives and properties that we are still recovering and recouping from even at this time.
Now, we are storming heaven for a storm; then, not long ago, we were pleading for reprieve from bad weather.
Certainly, our lives here on earth are full of contradictions!
At least in the Philippines and in Bicol, our prayers are being answered because we are slowly experiencing rain again – rain that will soak the arid grounds and will drench the thirsty plants and animals.  Our supplications have seemed to be quite effective because PAGASA now forecasts forthcoming typhoons when only weeks before they saw none in the horizon.
Other parts of the country are also beginning to get drizzled which could hopefully, with more prayers, develop into continuous rains and even tropical storms that will truly soak the dry lands and bring back life to the withering surroundings, thus, letting the cycle of life take its natural course.
Ah!  But I still wonder what will happen to those displaced by the killer typhoons of last year?  Those who lost their homes and their meager belongings to the flash floods and severe winds?  Those who are now residing in makeshift houses made of tents and tarpaulins?  Those who have been promised yet still awaiting permanent resettlement?  Those whose lives and living are still on hold and still waiting to move on?
I wonder what will become of them now that we have been praying for the rains to come?  Are we, those living in safe, comfortable homes and warmly ensconced in our routine lives need not worry for their plight?  Must we not, in our own little, private ways, make sure and ensure that they are made comfortable in their present state as we are in ours?
Are the rains only for those of us living in solid structures far from the inconvenience of flooding and disease?  Or should we, as we pray for that all-important rain, must also storm heaven with our petitions that our less privileged brethren be afforded more comfortable, sturdier, and warmer shelters safe from the ravages of bad weather just as the rains are soon to come?
We must, then, do something concrete to our neighbors – those we know who are living in harm’s way – and make sure that they are resettled in safer abodes just as we are all looking forward to be showered with the rains.