Storms are brewing. What do you do? Storms happen in the natural AND they happen in our lives with unwanted circumstances that come in bunches.
Storms are part of the natural weather that develops from the convergence of humidity, temperatures, air pressure, wind flow, and probably many more ingredients that a meteorologist would be happy to tell you about.
You can usually see a storm coming in the distance if your view is not impeded by trees, buildings, hills, or mountains. I live in a fairly open area. If we are driving, we can see for 15-20 miles (or more). I can see a thunderstorm towering in the Texas panhandle if it is a really tall cloud formation.
A storm in the natural can have: rain, wind, hail, lightening, and tornados. Since I live in "Tornado Alley", I'm aware of those storms.
I've been in hail that covered the roads very quickly with a slick sheet of slippery ice. And that's pretty scary when it happens fast and you are driving!
Hail can be pretty damaging to tender plants - like the lettuce in this picture to the right. Not much you can do at the time. If you knew in advance, you might be able to protect with a bucket - if the wind didn't take it!
There are some things that we can do if we know storms are brewing - and if we know how big they are and the potential that they are carrying. If high winds are expected, you bring in anything that the wind will carry away. Put away any porch umbrellas and light chairs, and kids toys that are light.
If you are a storm watcher, you will learn the prevailing direction that the storms usually come from and "keep an eye on the sky", as they say around here. This storm on the left was one that was going away from us. It was probably doing some damage right then, but to us it was beautiful in the light of the setting sun. It's all perspective, right?
And if we get tornadic storms heading our way, we have a plan as to where we need to go to be safe. There are things that we do before the storms gets here, because once it comes, you can't do much about it!
How about the storms that are brewing in your life? What do you watch for to know when they are coming? And what kind of storms do you get?
There might be a "health storm". Seasons in our lives that it seems like you pick up every cold and flu around you. And then you fall and have bruises or breaks. Or a bigger health storm that is a serious intrusion in your life that takes over all of your life.
Sometimes we feel like there are lots of personal/family/business conflicts going on and we just want a break from the "storm".
When you see these personal storms are brewing, what are you looking for, and what action do you take? Are you making better food choices and boosting your body with good vitamins like zinc and vitamin C for better immunity?
When personal conflicts come, do you find a seasoned and wise person to help you make good choices to solve the conflicts? You know that if you don't, it will escalate and then it's out of control.
One of the best things we can do is "DIA". Decide in advance. Before the emotions hit. Before the conversation gets out of control. Before everything goes south and you're not sure what just happened. All preparing has to be done - "before". Natural storm or life storm. That's how you get through them better.
Just as the storm is breaking up in this picture to the right, there is relief that it is coming to an end.
You might have to "pick your battles". Choose what is worth fighting for, and what needs to be let go. Choose to forgive and take the high road. Get a plan in place before the storm. Before the conflict/conversation. Before.
Here is where I look for help. This is my DIA. Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him."