The Big Storm

When our granddaughter Taylor was two years old, we took care of her while her parents attended an out-of-state wedding. Taylor settled in well, but the day we were supposed to take her home, a snowstorm in all its fury blasted our area, and we were snowbound.

I didn’t explain the situation to Taylor. I was sure that at age two she wouldn’t realize we had to delay our trip. However, as the day went on, Taylor grew more and more agitated until Taylor’s aunt, our daughter, finally whispered, “Mom, you need to talk to Taylor. She knows she was supposed to go home today.”

I picked up Taylor, and we went to the window. The storm was blowing snow so hard that we could see only a few inches past the glass. I explained we couldn’t take her home until the storm was over. Taylor didn’t say much, but she calmed right down.

The next day was bright and beautiful, as the weather often is after a storm. As I was fastening Taylor into her carseat, she looked up at me with a big smile and said very solemnly, “Grandpa Neil and Grandma Sue saved me from the big storm.” (She said “dorm”.) What a great attitude and what a miracle of understanding.

So many times, when the storms of life upset my plans, I allow agitation to gain control. Never once do I stop and listen to God’s still small voice telling me, “We can’t do this today, Sue. You see, there’s a storm raging, and I need to keep you safe.”

Two of my life’s “go-to” verses are found in Psalms chapter 37 (verses 5 and 7a). “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not….” (King James Version)

Each time I read these verses, I’m reminded that we walk with the Creator, who is able and willing to protect us. Then, in my soul, gratitude replaces agitation, and God quietly teaches me another lesson in patience and trust.

 

 (Photo by Sue Harrison, Common Domain)