Another Day of Gloom?

“Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

Day after day gloominess overtook the sun. Rain and clouds dominated. The Sunshine State didn’t live up to its appealing name.

            I longed for sunshine sparkling on the lake. Cheerful flowers. Blue sky with fluffy, white clouds dancing across it. But heavy clouds remained. 

            To make matters worse, weather forecasters predicted an approaching hurricane. More rain, wind and storms would hit the state. 

            Thankfully, the hurricane missed us and caused minimal damage in our state.  In spite of the dark days, God prodded me to be thankful. 

            I needed to look for glimmers of light. Weeks earlier drought lowered lakes and wildfires were predicted. Then rain raised bodies of water past normal levels and refreshed the parched earth. Flowers revived. Grass greened up. Ducks splashed in the rain. 

            Bees continued to visit droopy flowers. A mama cardinal plucked worms from soggy ground. Papa stood watch from a low branch. 

            Cypress limbs, heavy with water, swayed in the breezes. A songbird’s tune drifted through the rain. A doe and her two fawns romped on the shore across the lake. 

            When I looked for God in the midst of the dismal weather, a sense of tranquility wrapped me like a warm shawl, providing rest and peace. 

            God often slows us down to relax, learn and prepare us for what lies ahead. Be thankful. Listen for His still, small voice and look for blessings in the trials.  

Heavenly Father, it is easy to complain about life’s difficult circumstances. Help me be thankful and look for You in each situation. Amen