A Word about Storms

A Word about Storms

I hear we have had some storms lately.

I want to share some observations.

• No one is immune!  Regardless of our wealth or poverty, the neighborhood in which we live, what we drive, how we dress, what we do for a living, whether we are spiritual or not, storms will come, and damage will be done!

• Storms remind us that we are not in control.  When on a roller coaster, sometimes the best we can do is just “hang on” and wait for the ride to end.

• Storms force us to slow down and sometimes to stop altogether.  Whether it is due to the loss of electricity or the trees and limbs across the road, we are unable to operate in the ways to which have become accustomed.

• Storms afford us the opportunity to be patient, courteous and considerate of others.  Think 4-way stops when the traffic lights are not functioning.  Courtesy may not come naturally or easily for some, but we can all do it, and we are better people because of it.

• Storms cause us to “reboot.”  Our computers, our WIFI systems, our alarm systems, our clocks, our refrigerators and freezers.  (Sometimes rebooting means restocking.)

• Storms afford us the opportunity to visit with our neighbors.  We compare damage, storm stories, gratitudes and frustrations, and maybe even get to know each other better than before.

• Storms force us to think differently about many things.  They force us to simplify our lives, do without or at least delay our gratification for a time. Storms give us the opportunity to rethink our lives–what is really important and what is not.

• Storms encourage us to help others, to think less of ourselves and pay attention to the needs of others, especially children, the elderly and the sick.

• Storms remind us of how very much we have, materially, emotionally, socially and spiritually.  And how very grateful we are for all these blessings!

Wait!  

You thought I was talking about meteorological storms? 

 Maybe you could re-read the above bullet points and see if there are some applications to the other types of storms we all encounter.  

Trust me, there are!