I wasn’t up long today before I heard the distant rumble. I was so happy that we didn’t have doctor’s appointments or travel today. Rarely is the schedule one of choice. I constantly have a list beckoning for checkmarks. But most things on it today can wait while I experience the storm. I am not into tornados or winds that blow through and drop stuff in its path. But when I can be home, I like the experience of a good thunderstorm. It makes me reflect on the thunderstorms in life and how they are related.
I had already seen it forecasted when I looked at the weather app last night, but I could also feel it in the air when I woke up—stillness followed by the distant rumble, like a far away lion. Some days when I open my eyes, I think the same. I feel like things in my life are roaring at a distance, but they are still close enough to capture my attention, and I wait for the lion’s release.
The storm builds—one layer upon another. Silence, distant thunder, and then the roar becomes louder. The thunder is no longer far but roaring closely. And the larger-than-life power is beside me. Quickly and steadily, it finds its strength in proximity. I feel it fully as I struggle with challenges, emotions, and life. It grabs hold, and I am one with it.
Then the BOOM! comes, and the power increases. Rumble, Rattle, Boom, Shake! And then the raindrops fall like tears from my face. Some days only a few are there, sliding down almost unnoticed. Those storms are short. They pass quickly. But some beckon to be invited to stay. They pick up momentum as they cover the earth with drops that can no longer be counted. They flow as the storm recycles and gets comfortable—moments of halting between rumbles and evidence of flooding. Other times to take it up a notch, lightning and hail make their presence known.
At some point, it all will cease. Somehow in pure exhaustion, I will find more strength. And like the power of a cleansing earth rain, my soul will have released toxins attempting to infect me. The comfortable silence returns to hug my heart. I remain still as I wait for the sun to break through with assurance and hope. I may even see the colors paint the sky as the rainbow’s promise returns and reminds me of its potential.
Hoping you find a place in my space. ♥ Hugs for your storms!
Reflection Question:
Do you like thunderstorms?
What life storms are you experiencing now?
Related Bible verses (there are others)
Isaiah 45:8
“You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it.”
Ezekiel 1:28
“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”