The calm before the storm

            I remember always being fascinated by the calm that came before the storm.  It felt as thought the world was numb.  It was a feeling I couldn't completely describe.  It was neither hot nor cold.  It was still.  Comfortable.  I always found this the best time to shoot baskets in my driveway.  There was no sun to get in my eyes.  No wind to distort my shot.  I grew cherish these times.

            But I learned from them as well.  The deeper this stillness.  The more comfortable.  These usually hinted toward the severity of the storm.  There was no question that a storm was on the way.  But how bad of a storm was the question.  I learned to seize the moment when it came.  Make the best use of it.  I began to recognize it for what it was.  A time of rest.  A time of preparation. 

            Our Father in heaven gives us these same times before the storms in our lives.  They may last quite a while.  They may be only a few minutes.  When everyone has fallen asleep and the dogs aren't barking.  The TV is off and the house is still.  Were there crickets, you would hear them.  The squeak of the rocking chair echoes.  And there it lies.  Your calm.  Your gift from Him.  Did you miss it?  Did you not see it for what it was?  Every day can be a storm.  So use this time to prepare for it.  To rest in His arms. 

            But do not be afraid.  If you missed it.  If you've walked into a wall of rain.  If the wind is howling.  If every part of your world seems to be bending from the fierce winds.  If the clouds are blocking the sun and your whole worlds seems dark.  Remember this...  He can calm the storm.  There are a few words from a song I heard.  They ring so true I have to share them with you.  They made me long for the calm to cease and the storm to come.

            "Sometimes He calms the storm.  With a whisper 'Peace be still', He can answer any prayer.  But that doesn't mean He will.  Sometimes He holds you close.  And lets the wind and waves go wild.  Sometimes He calms the storm.  And other times He calms His child."

            When I heard this I thought, "If He holds me close in the storms.  Let it rain."

SDG