February 25
When he utters his voice there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightenings for the rain, and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. Jeremiah 51:16It was a typical mid summer day, sunny and hot but the air was heavy and steamy. It seemed more like August rather than July, a perfect day to be at a cottage by the lake celebrating our daughter’s birthday. Echoing off the water could be heard splashing as swimmers and rowers delighted in their playful activity. We were surrounded by the laughter and chatter of children playing at the shore with their little shovels and buckets working in the sand, and birds above us enthusiastically singing proudly with their squawking little offspring. All around us the trees lush greenery sparkled in the sunlight offering cool shade from the intense heat. But, not a leaf moved in the still, humid air. The air seemed too motionless, almost like the earth had taken a deep breath and was holding it.
My mother-in-law prepared the outdoor grill for cooking as my sister-in-law and I set up tables, utensils, condiments and all the side dishes to go along with the juicy steaks, hamburgers and hot dogs she was preparing. Suddenly, out of nowhere it happened! A flash of lightening! Then the roll of thunder! Adults and children scrambled out of the water. Within moments, chairs were overturning as the wind blew hard and what was moments before tranquil and relaxing, now became chaotic and nerve-wracking. The wind and rain blew harder, sending everything that wasn’t tied down flying across the yard and bending the trees nearly to the point of breaking.
My mother-in-law dashed for the grill as the rain began coming down sideways and in torrents. Everything was soaked in seconds. As she whisked the platter full of food into the house now crowded with people, the lightening flashed and thunder roared with intensity. The storm was frightening - one flash and crash after another that could be felt so deeply it made one shudder; so like other “storms” that can affect one’s soul.
In our effort to keep the little ones at ease, we chatted and laughed about how “Nannie” saved the day by saving our food! While spreading out the barbecued feast for everyone to enjoy inside, the thunder quieted and the rain and wind slowed. As quickly as it began, the storm was leaving the area and the sun began to shine again. We were grateful to be safe.
On the ground the wind damage was evident everywhere, with broken branches and debris littering the yard and waiting to be cleared. But when we looked above us, water droplets dazzled like diamonds on the upturned leaves, shining with blinding beauty in the sunlight! The sounds of all God’s creatures began their harmonious resonance once again. And I couldn’t help think about how all this is a reminder of our need in any of life’s storms – storms that seem to blow our way out of nowhere - to always turn upward – toward God. That God’s goodness and glory will be evident, right there, in the midst of that storm, waiting for us to just open our eyes and grasp it.
God, when the storms of life batter us and we begin to shudder in apprehension and fear, may we always turn toward you to find peace for our souls.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson