July 12, 2013

The thunderstorms are awe-inspiring. Late afternoon, right after supper, midnight, five in the morning: the sky turns cloudy, then indigo and grey-green. Delphinium and peonies bow under the hail. Cars drive through water rising halfway up their tires. Sirens shriek and dogs howl. Lightening seems to flash right down my spine. Old Testament voices spoke of the holy power of storms. Something awesome this way comes: power, might, change. They had something right. Not a personification of God, but an awareness of change. What comes to mind for you in the strength of the storm? Is it something you fear? Some change you anticipate? Worry for our environment and our stewardship of the earth? Childhood memories of storms in campgrounds, or a gentle voice singing you lullabies through the thunderclaps? In the life of faith God calls us to examine our responsibilities, face our fears, encourage our friends, comfort our children and step up to the power we have. The questions that come to mind in the seconds between the lightening and the thunder often lead us into those deep reflections. Blessings on you in the spiritual moments of these summer storms. You are not alone, The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean