I love
thunderstorms. As a kid, I’d sit on our
front porch and watch the clouds open up and the rain pound the ground. I was fascinated (still am) by the drill and
flash of lightning and the force of the wind.
The sheer power of a storm was something to marvel at. There was a particular smell that to this
day, I associate with a good old fashion thunderstorm. It is like no other smell that I can compare
it to. As I recall, my mom was not too
enamored with me outside during a thunderstorm, especially when lightning was
present and in retrospect, she was probably right. I know that now as a parent, I make sure my
kids are inside and safe.
I remember
driving on an interstate in Wisconsin during one summer when the rain and storm
was so intense, I had no visibility- none whatsoever. I couldn’t see. I didn’t know what, if anything, was in front
of me. I didn’t know what, if anything,
was behind me. I didn’t know where the
side of the road was for me to pull off in order to stop and let the storm
pass. I was stuck. There were three small children in the
backseat, my wife in the front seat next to me, and I was behind the
wheel. I didn’t know where to turn, if I
should turn and I knew that if I made one misstep, my wife and kids could be
harmed. I crept forward ever so slowly
until I came to an overpass that provided brief shelter. It was crowded because many other drivers and
a few drenched motorcyclists wanted the same protection. Somehow, we made room for one another.
Storms
happen. Sometimes they come out of
nowhere. Sometimes they are of our own
creation. Sometimes we find ourselves in
the middle of a storm created by someone else.
At times, we see no apparent way out, blinded by the swirl of chaos
around us. We can’t find a way forward. We can’t see a way out. Other times, there is that brief respite that
gives a modicum of shelter and protection until it is safe to move forward once
again. And always, there will be a time
when it is safe to move forward.
Always. It may take time. There is panic and fear. There is concern for yourself and for others,
perhaps loved ones. But always, there
will be a time when it is safe to move forward.
Always. Something to think about
. . .
Live Your Life,
and Make A Difference!
I just wanted to say 'thank you'. I just now got the chance to read it and to be honest with you, I REALLY needed to read that this morning. I guess lately I've been feeling a little stuck in a rain storm, myself :)
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