There is something beautiful about watching a storm roll in over the ocean. The first thing that is visible, far off shore, is a line of dark so thin that you can’t even make out what is yet to come. From the vantage point of sitting on the shore, you feel invincible because the storm is too far out yet to touch you. As it gets closer, the more incredible things become. You can see the sheets of rain slamming into the water below and feel the change in the wind around you. The temperature of the air drops and leaves you in a lovely chill. Lightning and thunder blend with the waves in a calming symphony. The waves increase in volume, growing into huge pillars of water. You become so used to sitting on the shore that the danger ahead doesn’t distress you. But there is always the time when the storm gets too close and it is time to move on, if you are lucky enough to realize it before you’re too late. There are times when you dawdle for that last glimpse of this divine concerto, and then the tempest is upon you and alas the rain is here.
Watching storms take place over the ocean is one of my favorite fixations. I love them and the beauty for what they are. But in my own life, I dread the storms. They always seem to rain down in sudden ugly downpours, and thus seemingly drowning and overwhelming my soul. I can’t breathe, function, or sleep. I move in constant disarray and forget the moment of now. There are many times when I know the storm is coming and I can feel God trying to prepare me, but I’m so fixated on the little sprinkles that the downpour is overlooked.
This has been my life the past couple of weeks. A. Constant. Downpour. I completely ignored the forecast that God had warned me was coming and I got lost in ignorant bliss. There were signs here and there for a while about what was come, but I pushed them away. But lucky for moments like this I was prepared. I knew where to find my lifeline. That’s the key to overcoming these storms, you have to be prepared.
So how do I prepare myself to get through the tough storms? I lean on God. I draw close to Him. Spending heaps amount of quiet time writing my thoughts and prayers out. Journaling has always been very therapeutic to me, and I found that I am most honest with myself and God when my pen is in my hand and I write without thought. For some people writing is easy and simple, but for me it is always been difficult because I know that when I write I am completely raw. So I become vulnerable. When going through the rough times be vulnerable and open to God. In acknowledgement, you can find strength. And most importantly, I let other people in on what is happening in my life. The worst lie you can tell yourself is that you can go through the storm alone. You can’t. You need other people. I told people in my life what was happening. They shared my burden and prayed over the commotion. When I draw close to God, become vulnerable with Him and myself, and share my struggles with others I am able to see the seashells.
And yes, seashells! Not a rainbow. That’s the best things about storms over the ocean. They bring in the most beautiful seashells and lay them all along the shoreline.
If you are experiencing a storm I hope and pray that you can find peace. But make sure to lean on God, be vulnerable, and call out to those you trust because when you do you can overcome anything. It won’t be easy and there will be times when you want to give up, but don’t. Because there is a shore waiting for you and seashells are meant to be seen.
