Waiting On The Storm

That's right, you heard me waiting on the storm. So many times we think that we're supposed to be waiting out the storm but what if we're waiting on the storm.
Have you ever laid awake wondering what's coming next?  Do you remember that sinking feeling in your gut? You know, the one where  you've imagined every negative scenario possible. Your heart wants to wait for something good but everything in you tells you that the only thing you could possibly be waiting for is something bad. You can hear the thunder on the horizon.  You know the storm is coming! You are  watching and waiting, listening so hard that you can nearly feel the drops of rain as they hit a tree leaf nearby.  Your eyes strain in the darkness to make out the lightning. You are almost certain that you've seen it flash across the sky.  Your heart races within you wondering just how bad this storm will be. Will it be one of those storms that passes by pretty quickly or will it be the kind that lingers over head?
What if, just what if, this time it is not a storm?  What if just this once that isn't actual lighting that you see far in the distance but rather your distorted view of a lightning bug across the field?  What if that isn't rain drops you hear on those leaves but rather the sound of birds settling into their nests for the night?
Better yet, what if this time it is a storm but the kind that brings no destruction?  What if it will rain and you will see the lightning flash across the sky but in reality it is an inspiring show?  What if the rain is coming to water the flowers and bring life to the open field and you are so busy bracing for the storm that you are about to miss all the miracles happening right before your eyes?
Stop worrying, close your eyes and listen to the sound of the storm.  Hear the thunder rumble and listen to the applause of the rain drops as they fall around you.  Breathe deeply to take in the fresh scent that only rain can bring.  Allow yourself to be enveloped by the storm and just enjoy the scene without allowing yourself to be afraid. 
Understand that always bracing for the worst simply causes you to miss out on all the beauty around you.  Let the storms come as they may.  Rest in Him and know that He will be there to hold you gently as the storm graces you with its presence or to shield you and help you rebuild when the storm brings destruction.  In the end, He will be there with you no matter what the storm. 
Have courage, for God has not forgotten you. He has made a commitment to care for you and while there may be days that the storms bring destruction so that you can learn to trust Him in the times of rebuilding,  perhaps today is not one of those times but rather just a gift that He is giving you.