“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir

Last night the sky was filled with a second round of storms for this week. Wind pushed through the trees, whipping them about with raging sounds and the ultimate cleaning out of loose branches. Some of those trees needed to be pruned, but in some cases, entire trees fell on electrical wires, cutting our power for a while. My first thought was of the ice cream I’d just purchased and visions of it melting within the freezer. My second thought was how I was going to breathe without air conditioning. My third thought came as the storm lessened in intensity. Even in that pouring rain, a few squirrels were outside gathering black walnuts which had descended to the ground. God was providing for them even in the midst of those dark skies. Those little creatures were taking full advantage of the bounty God was presenting to them.

Our God will never let us down.  He provides us with all kinds of weather which will in some way enhance our lives.  Even the thunderous roar of a storm can be perceived as His voice. The drenching rains which seem overbearing at times are feeding the earth with necessary life-giving water.  The winds can seem frightening, but they are necessary to dry up the standing water and whisk away broken tree limbs, unnecessary brush and the dirt of every day.

As I sit here this morning composing this blog, the sun has been dancing in and out of a few remaining clouds. Glistening drops of dew are evident in the grass, the flowers and even on the windowpane. The glory of the sun brings life giving healing to broken hearts. God sheds His tears to nurture the land. His sadness for our condition is evident through the storms we face each day. Even during those times, I know God is there.  His Son, Jesus, has washed us clean of our sins and given us hope for a new day. As the sun penetrates the clouds and clears up those storms, a beautifully blue sky will appear. His light lets me know that.

Dear Holy God, You control the weather, the wind, the storms of life, all for our benefit. There is beauty all around when you demonstrate your power. Your provision for us, as well as the critters around us. is made known through that strength. You have made the storms beautiful even when they seem the darkest. I thank you for giving us the ultimate gift – eternal life – through your Son, Jesus. Amen!