I actually love the storms in life that I am going through...hopefully, I will be able to help someone else weather storms in their life in the future. Unless you actually go through certain situations, you really have no idea how to help individuals.
Through the storms in life comes wisdom and patience. I have always loved thunder and lightning storms - watching them, dancing in the rain they produce....then waiting for beautiful flowers to blossom after the storm or seeing a marvelous rainbow. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me.
Oh, and yes, at times I do get a bit envious of others who have a running car, or money in their bank account but GOD snaps me back to reality quickly and reminds me that HE loves me and will provide ALL that I need and someday those same people may look back and remember a glimpse of me and how I handle the storms in my life!
I have come across many people in my life and now I watch them more analytically than I did when I was younger.
It is fun to go to the mall and just people watch. Imagine what they are thinking or saying. I make up little stories about why they walk so fast or why the Mom gets so mad at her little boy who scoops up some of the fountain water and splashes people going by. I used to be that Mom!
Now, I enjoy the fountain splashing moments and sometimes encourage my 4 year old or grandkids to do the same thing. I slide down slides and swing as high as I can. I take walks and actually enjoy the beauty around me, even in the midst of a storm.
The ones I observe the closest are the ones who are in my life on a consistent basis. I see their joys and tribulations and am filled with amazement at how they handle both.
I have observed that money makes those closest to me both wise and foolish. I also note that their smiles are larger, they laugh a little more when their bank accounts are full. Should it really be that way?
In the Bible it tells us: Phil 4:11 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Just because it says to be content, does it really mean that we should have a large smile on our face? I don't think so but we should be genuine in whatever state we are in.
I do believe that when we relish in God's goodness to us that the smile will be on our face at all times. No matter where we find ourselves in life, we will be thankful for God's provisions for us there. God did not promise a fat wallet, a Mercedes and the most gorgeous partner on the face of the earth. God did promise to meet our needs. When we look at what we have through God's eyes we see a well worn wallet where much money has passed thanks to Gods providing, we are thankful for the bike that gets us around town and we look at our partner and think they are the most delightful creature on the face of the earth.
Lets not be "fair-weather" christians who wallow in their sadness and distress instead of looking on the storm as a learning experience. Fair weather Christians become so "godly" when the sun is shining and flowers are in bloom but come the winter - they go into spiritual hibernation.
Storms are a blessed part of our lives. Come dance with me in the rain, feel the gusts of winds and don't let them blow you over. Stand firm. Turn to God and let HIM handle it because HE really wants to.
Lets not dwell on how bad the storm is, lets be looking for the beautiful rainbow at the end of our own personal storm.
