Through The Storm

“By now a strong wind was blowing, and the waves on the lake were getting bigger. The followers saw Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the boat.”  John 6:18-19

We lived through Tropical Storm Eta with its strong winds, pounding rain and high surf.  We had expected a week of sunshine and beautiful weather but received a storm for part of our adventure.  For a short time, the rain lessened, and we ventured out of our condo along with others and braved the beach.  The experience of the power of the wind and waves was awesome and at the same time overwhelming.  The intensity was magnificent, and I could feel the presence of God’s mighty power in nature.  We could only endure the wind and rain for a short time.  The downpour came again, and the wind was too much to endure on our own.

Then the storm passed.  The sun came out the next day, and we again walked the beach.  While the waves had power, they did not take over the beach but stayed within their boundaries.  God had brought to the sand treasures from deep in the sea.  The beach was lined with shells.  It is amazing how the shells survived the power of the storm.  Yes, the broken shells were scattered along the shore, but among them were perfect shells created by God with intricate and delicate designs.

As I reflect on the storm, our journey of grief is similar.  Grief and loss come unexpectant when life is good, and we are anticipating enjoying life together.  Grief overwhelms, and we can live in its intensity only in short moments before we need a distraction from its reality.  We know it is still there, but we need to take a breath and find a place of safety and security.

Then Jesus enter our storm. He has been watching but we become aware of His presence. Jesus does not take away the storm of grief, He just gets in the grief boat with us and sits with us in the storm. We recognize His presence in moments of faith and hope.

As time passes, the clouds begin to lift. The affects of the storm of grief never leave us, but we begin to experience moments of peace – treasures from God. We connect with others on the journey and treasure these moments where our hearts connect in grief and someone else understands the hurt and pain.

The storms of life and grief are guaranteed just as tropical storms will always come even sometimes in our trip to the ocean.  I have come to accept the grief and look for the treasures of God’s presence and others on the journey.