This morning I woke up to a rather gloomy looking day. Gray clouds hid the sun. I figured that rain would soon make its appearance. After my morning routines, I was out the door ready to tackle the grocery store, which is quite an endeavor theses days. Walking out of the store, my nose smelled that familiar smell of rain. It has such a distinctive smell that makes memories of my youth flood my mind, but that’s another story.
Driving home it began with tiny drops on my windows. Then thunder shook the ground. Lightening streaked across the sky. It was apparent that a storm was approaching. I pulled into my apartment complex and lightening filled the sky. I drove past the garage door that was already opening and parked by a little pond near the apartments. Once again the thunder rolled. I let my windows down to listen, but had to quickly raise them for the tiny raindrops turned into huge crashing ones. It was loud on my roof. However, it only lasted for mere moments and then it was all done. The sky cleared, birds began singing, a gentle breeze was blowing- all that was left were the puddles in which the birds played.
I see a stark resemblance to this sudden summer storm in comparison to our lives. It can get dark and rough extremely fast, but it really depends on how you let it play out. It can become a huge disaster or you could be playing in the remaining puddles. This isn’t a new concept or analogy, but it is a fact that needs to be rehearsed time and time again. We all have storms in our lives, both large and small. How do you choose to live them out?
We are faced with a choice each and everyday of our lives. Walk on the negative side or choose to see the best in every situation. I understand that sometimes it will be near impossible, but if you step back or even wait a few years – you will see that there was a reason. Please try to endure these storms – they are put into our lives to refresh, renew, and cleanse us. There is a purpose.
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes the storms of life so overwhelm us that we can’t see any good. You are the author and the finisher of our faith – so help me to trust your reasons – even in the midst of a storm. Help me to see that you are always faithful.
Thoughtfulness Action:
Life is tough! You have seen many things come and go. You can even look back on bad situations and see the reason now for the rough times. Today, I challenge you to remember! Remember those hard patches that you have survived. Did you grow? Were you pounded deeper in the depths of woe? Rise up, my dear friend – strength is there for the asking!!
LaDonna Fridenmaker~Writer 