ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“Storms of every sort, torrents, earthquakes, cataclysms, ‘convulsions of nature,’ etc., however mysterious and lawless at first sight they may seem, are only harmonious notes in the song of creation, varied expressions of God’s love.”   John Muir

This colored pencil drawing was created plein air, several years ago by Paul. When weather was cloudy, he would often turn to drawing rather than painting. The clouds could quickly melt into rain, so this was a much easier way to create and still be outdoors. I love the soft reflections in the water and the winsome peace the scene displays. The early morning sunrise is off in the distance, but I think the sky soon was overcome by clouds, much like it is today.

We could wrap our troubles in dreams and dream them away.  We could put on a happy face.  We could find joy in other things besides the weather.  We could look to the source of our joy.  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 is going to have to try really hard to break through.  I know God is there, even in the shadows.  His light lets me know that.

Some days seem all out of focus, the clouds turn our vision dim.

God’s masterful plan seems hidden, doubt colors the shades so grim,

We lose control and we wonder if relief will ever come,

We struggle, we falter, we cry, we beat a different drum.

Still clouds will swiftly move over, making way for the bright sun,

The brilliance will overtake them, consuming each single one,

When grey skies inhabit our lives, when gloom and doom wont let go,

We wonder if we can endure, or will the waiting be slow.

Each day brings another challenge, we wonder how it will end,

Will we learn to weather the storms we simply don’t comprehend.

There is a way to get through it, it’s simple and yet so hard,

Our God is our great defender, our personal bodyguard.

You can wipe away the cobwebs, and clean up the windows too,

But only God can bring the Son, clearing up the fuzzy view,

Put your faith in His protection, He will never let you down,

He takes your hand and walks with you, He gives you a royal crown.