Read, Write, Love, Repeat

I could hear it. The wind, the thunder, rain pelting down. Awakened further by lightning flashing outside my window.

Texas storms are like nothing else I’ve ever seen, and last night, in the dark-and-stormy that made up my 3am, this particular storm made me so grateful for my bed, for the walls and roof that protect me. Made me want to curl in around my blankets and pillows, secure that I can fully rest because I am surrounded and protected. Not exposed. At home, sheltered.

Please note I was not outside at 3am, yelling at the clouds and asking why there was a storm and could it stop please. I stayed in my shelter, knowing I was safe, knowing it would pass.

But let’s be honest. I haven’t always had that mindset with the things that hit from left field in life, but I’m learning.

Drifting off to sleep to the sound of sheets of rain hitting my windows brought to mind the storms that have buffeted my life these past 3 years. Health crisis. Loss. Disappointment. Cross-country move. Adjustment. Change. So many storms.

Many times in the midst of these storms it felt like the only thing I could do- to rage, to question, to ask why and could it please stop now, thank you very much.

But. Through every storm, I have learned to curl in close, to be grateful for the shelter. To know I am protected and secure, that I can rest. I am at home; my Father surrounding, protecting. He may not remove the storm, but He has been my shelter. My covering.

This morning there’s a break in the rain and I peek outside see a glimpse of green at the edges of winter grass. After the storm there is growth. Always.