For the man sound of body and serene of mind, there is no such thing as bad weather; every day has its beauty, and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously. ~George Gissing
Today in the open places, it’s hard to tell where earth ends and eternity begins.
Ground touches sky.
White meets white.
And they are one.
The wind blows bitter, and the meteorologist forecasts snow.
Lots of snow.
And winds that may blast blizzard.
They admonish us to get ready.
Just in case.
Stock the cupboards, check the flashlights, and prepare alternative heating sources.
Major event.
Pretty sure.
Adventure.
At least we’re on alert.
I have Lil today. She has a fever with a cold, and I have a major headache. But I have a hair appointment. So I smother Lil in blankets, load up her jumper thingie, heat water for a bottle, and grab the diaper bag. We’re prepared for a couple hours in the beauty shop despite ourselves.
Yes, it takes that long to make me beautiful.
Or close to it.
Afterward, we run to the grocery store, and I fill the cart around her car seat (that weighs fifteen tons, by the way) with essentials plus some. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies and peanut butter sandwiches should get us through.
And we head home, where warmth and the aroma of crockpot stew greets us.
Where we can hunker down in safety.
We usually don’t have warnings for life storms.
They ambush us like avalanches.
And bury us so sometimes we can’t even see God.
Unless we anticipate them, knowing they can strike at any time.
And so it’s wise to keep the storehouse full day to day.
To remain one and open to the One who meets us in every need.
To stay so close that it’s impossible to tell where our heart ends and His begins.
And a nice pair of flannel jammies help.
For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. ~Psalm 27:5 (NIV)
There is supposed to be a big one coming…but you have just weathered the BIG one haven’t you, Sandra. These prayers that others send up like incense buffer some, I have felt their gentle shelter too. Did I ever say how tender it was to walk through all that with you? To read your mother heart every day? It is a beautiful one, girlie.
And now we are reading Stone Crossings together? I’m glad for the company. One worth revisiting.
Love to you, friend.
I don’t think the big one is as big as anticipated–at least here.
I think that happens in life storms, too. Our mind grows them into beasts before they strike like kittens. And the prayers of others do tend to built those buffers and soften the blows of the big ones.
I love your heart.
Sandy, I love how you can take an impending storm and a trip to the hairdresser and supermarket and turn it into a beautiful poem and inspiring devotion. You have a gift.
I hope you weather the storm without too much difficulty.
Thanks, Keli! We are weathering well. Hunkered inside. Hubby doesn’t plan the big blowout until the wind dies. It really isn’t as bad here as they predicted.
And are you loving WordPress? I love the new look and so excited about the book. Can’t wait to read it!
In the storm shelter with you …
It’s cozy in here, doncha think?
Expected to be pummeled here. Beautiful words to remind me of the value of a full storehouse.
~ Wendy
Hope it wasn’t too awful, Wendy.
I like this.
Hello, friend! How are you holding up over there?
Doing well and praying the same for you.
both photos are beautiful.
hope your head feels better.
Thanks, Nancy. It does. 🙂
Love the picture and your post, Sandy!
We’re also expecting a storm tonight, but more of an ice event than a snow event. If the stores were any indication, everyone prepared.
Our life weather forcaster (God) told us we’d have trouble in this world. Why we’re surprised when it happens is a mystery. We’d be wise to walk close to Him. After all, He has a big umbrella.
Thanks, Susan. Ice is worse than snow! Hope you’re doing okay.
Snuggled under His umbrella with you.