Throughout the night the house shook, deck furniture moved, waves battered and bruised the beach beyond my Perch.
It’s mid-November not January or February when storms come often enough to make one rethink an aversion to moving to a place without seasons, especially the Winter one.
A national weatherman apologized this morning for “not getting it right” for the thousands stranded along highways or in airports.
Most of the time, they, the weather folks, come close. Not easy predicting onset, intensity or duration of storms.
Reminds me of the story in the Bible told in Matthew 8. Jesus and his disciples were out in a boat on the sea of Galilee, when a doozy of a storm hit with waves shaking the boat and the disciples’ faith. If anyone could’ve accurately predicted an approaching storm it was the One sound asleep in the boat. The drenched disciples woke Jesus, yelling something like, “Help! We’re drowning here.” And Jesus helped. He told the sea and winds to settle down. They did, leaving the disciples shaking their heads and wondering who was this person they’d signed up to follow, this nature-whisperer?
It’s not much of a leap to see this life as that boat, that storm as our challenges/issues/crises and their fearful, faithless panic as ours.
Before falling sleeping, checked if phone was fully charged and a flashlight within reach on the bedside table. Small reassurances.
Blessed assurance?
Jesus in the boat, even asleep, all in Good hands.
Peace.
Hope to remember Sunday when we “pass the peace” to each other, it’s more than words and when we kneel at the altar, drenched from life’s storms, we’re ingesting more than some Sunday snack.
We’re recipients of God’s Life preservers available to all us little and seemingly no-faith folks who risk crying, “Help!”
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This was a dose of exactly what I needed today.
I miss you so! Always in my heart! I need a trip to the perch! My love always my Jan ❤️
I always have wondered whether Jesus actually was asleep or, as my dad used to say, “just resting my eyes.” Regardless, He is more alert in any state than we are, which is a great source of comfort. Another source of comfort was to read you were not headed to take on Stormy D.
Blessings, Dale
Love your perception on life as we see it. Here, they are calling it a November to Remember. Speaking of storms, how did Ralph fare when he went back to his home and shop after the big hurricane? I have thought of him often. The only place I have been where the weather is constant was Hawaii, but they, too, have their struggles. God did not promise sunshine without rain. Blessings on you and yours this Thanksgiving season.
Like you, Jan, I love living in a place with seasons , which for us now after retirement from pastoral ministry is western North Carolina. Thank you so much for your post, I look forward to and learn from each one. So thankful to be in those good hands.
Wonderful comments about our winter storm, God is all powerful over storms of life
Such a good reminder and encouragement Jan! <3 <3
Dearest MamaJan,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! A wonderful way to remind us that God is there with us at all times.
Love you dearly, R.
Jan,
You are on my heart today. I’m remembering Jud. Always, when I think of him, I see his smile. The way he looked at you and smiled. Quietly cheering you on. Quietly proud. Quietly loving you. That smile! I imagine it’s bigger now than it ever was while he lived on earth. Still smiling at you. Still proud. Still loving…