I woke yesterday to the low rumble of thunder. The meteorologists had been predicting bad weather for days, this time they seemed to be right. As I drank my coffee and got ready for work, I listened to the inconsistent splatter of the raindrops against the windows.
The rain was in full deluge mode as I pulled out of my garage and headed to the office. Large puddles proved that the ground could not absorb the rain as quickly as it fell, and flooding was soon to be an issue. I drove with more caution on the slippery roads. By the time I reached the office, the rain had stopped again temporarily.
I found myself comparing the storms we endure throughout our lives with the events of the morning:
I woke up to the low rumble of thunder – more often than not, we can usually see trouble brewing. Clouds gather, winds pick up, and thunder rolls long before the raindrops fall. Do we pay attention to the warning signs before the sky breaks open and the storm begins?
I listened to the inconsistent splatter of the raindrops – troubles in life seem to ebb and flow, increase and decrease, but rarely do they pour out without end. Are we preparing ourselves to endure the storm? Do we trust that our situation will get better soon? Or do we panic thinking there is no end in sight?
I drove with more caution – how do we navigate life’s storms? Do we move more cautiously, taking time consider the choices we make? Or do we push full steam ahead no matter what danger may come our way?
By the time I reached the office, the rain had stopped – the storms we endure in life are temporary! A rainy morning doesn’t mean you’ll have a rainy day. Just like a difficult situation in your life does not mean you are destined for a difficult life. Do we make our way through the storm trusting it will pass or do we lose faith that the rain will stop falling? “This too shall pass…”
The storms of life will come and go and, unfortunately, we don’t have much control over them. However, we can choose how we respond to the storm. Instead of being disheartened or afraid, we can allow the rain to renew and replenish us. We can provide protection and shelter to those who need it because of the strength and growth we’ve experienced in previous storms. And eventually, we can even learn to dance in the rain!
Be blessed,
Jennifer
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33