STORMS

I have just left my room for the first time today ... late for me. Getting up was difficult this morning. I felt achy and sleepy. Besides, the day outside, as seen through my window, gave evidence of a murky and overcast day dawning. Now, though the sun has emerged, it is more a dance between sunshine and shadow. Even the river appears different today. No glassy surface close to the shoreline; rather a darker, less-friendly presentation than the norm. There is the appearance of a gentle turbulence along the surface of the river, replete with a few tiny white-capped waves here and there. Life within these waters appears devoid of river creatures this morning, no frolicking about with the absence of calm.

Is this not somewhat like my own life, Lord? Times of sunshine and shadow? Times of feeling different? Times when my soul is clear and calm and glassy-smooth with peace flowing within me. And at other times, when my soul runs darker with a gentle turbulence, the tiny white-capped waves of anxiety washing over me which rise to the surface of my awareness.

The weatherman has predicted thunderstorms rolling in for later this afternoon. In nature sometimes, the thunderstorms do come, as predicted. Other times, they do not come at all even when predicted . The sun remains on those latter days - strong, bright and smiling on both land and water. The storm has changed her mind, or the weatherman has erred in his prediction.

I suppose thunderstorms are necessary in nature, and even necessary in my own life from time-to-time. I thank You, Lord - thunderstorms do not often erupt within me. When those storms do create havoc within my soul, Lord, it is most often over someone or something that has unsettled my world, and turbulence and tempestuous waves crash in on the shores of my raw and naked soul. Lightning strikes and tears at my open and gaping wounds, and inwardly, I churn and thrash with the violence of the storm ... until, finally, the storm has spent itself, and my peace is eventually restored.

I would so much rather the thunderstorms never come, whether in nature or in my soul. I do not like them! I would prefer the storm change her mind, or the weatherman err. I would prefer the serenity of my soul never disturbed. I would prefer gentleness, peace and calm to reign within at all times. Even so, Lord, how then would I appreciate the calm when it returns without knowing the ravages of the storm? How then would my soul know the fullness of joy when my peace has been restored without some storm in my life?

Without the storms in my life, or yours, we would never fully experience the joy when peace and tranquility has come again bringing with it life which runs freely within the rivers of our souls.

Lord, while I do not like the storms of life one bit, I must thank You for them, for without these storms, I could never truly appreciate the joy of tranquility. Thank You that even in storms that rage within me, I know You are there, and You will restore me back to peace, life and joy again. Thank You for revealing these things to me, Jesus. 

Amen ~