Storms

When I was little, I did not like summer thunderstorms at all, especially the storms that arrived right at my bedtime. But as I grew older, my fear changed to awe, and now my favorite place to be during a thunderstorm is the front porch of my family’s house. I love being able to watch a storm blow in on puffy gray clouds, then feel the wind on my face and smell the rain as it arrives. Then after the storm is over and the clouds recede, the air smells so clean and all the dust and dirt is washed away. The grass is greener than ever, and the vegetables (and weeds) in my vegetable garden have grown taller and look more healthy.

But what changed? Why can I now appreciate the same thing that was once a source of fear to me?

Because I now know that Someone is in control of the storms. The thunder booms just as loudly as it did before and lightning flashes just as brightly, but while storms affect me negatively, I know that they have their benefits. While there is usually cleanup to do after a storm, the vegetables in my garden will be healthier from the rain than from anything I could put on them. While some storms are more destructive than others, there is always some good that comes out of it, even if it is not seen immediately.  Sometimes, the wind and the rain beat down my plants, but they almost always come back stronger and healthier than before.

I have lived a life incredibly blessed by God with little loss and heartache, but a few years ago, I weathered what felt like a tornado with my family when my four-day-old brother died. During that time, I felt like everything was spinning, but I never once felt like anything was spinning out of control, because God carried me through that valley. I may never know for certain why God chose to take my brother Home, but I do know that because of what I went through, I have a deeper understanding of His love and a deeper relationship with Him because of it.

Maybe you’ve been through a few (or more) storms in the past, or maybe you’re in the middle of one now. Maybe you are lifting your hands in worship, or maybe you are throwing them up in despair. I don’t know your situation, but I do know that God loves you, and He wants to hold you close and carry you through the valley.