Winds and Rain

It isn’t enough that we have had so much rain in the past couple of weeks that forecasters are concerned that the saturation of the soil will lead to further flooding as the season progresses. Now we are being buffeted by high-velocity winds. Along with my inability to sleep through the entire night I am facing the day in a somewhat “weakened” state.

Across the ranch where we live we have had tree branches fall and trees blow over, and that was before the winds blew last night. Of course, the expectation is that these weather conditions will pass, but not without some damage, and other potential losses. I have friends and family who have experienced winds and storms of a physical, emotional and spiritual type in the past year. In the midst of these storms there is sometimes a concern that the turmoil will not relax, the storm will not cease, and the winds will not return to calm.

When I am facing that kind of tumult I do find comfort in my faith. The story of Jesus’ quieting the storm over the waters, while his followers looked on with fear and awe, is a great metaphor of what happens when I turn my eyes to Jesus in the storms of my life. Sometimes, all I can do is pray, Oh God, Oh God, Oh God! And many times that is enough. Always looking back I can see the hand of God at work in my life. His guidance and his leading have brought me to this place and will be with me on the journey forward.

Father, help me to remember that you are the Peace-bringer in the storms of my life. Amen.